Evaluation of the occurrence of anxiety in pregnant women with regard to environmental conditions

Abstract

Background. A mother’s health, her family relations and social-economic conditions are factors which determine the course of pregnancy, childbirth and puerperal period. Objectives. The main aim of the study was analysis and evaluation of anxiety levels in particular trimesters of pregnancy with regard to selected environmental factors. Material and methods. The study included 250 pregnant women with a median age of 29 (range 19–47 years) in the territory of Western Poland. It was a prospective longitudinal study, and it was carried out in three stages. All three stages of the study were completed by 181 pregnant women. The study applied a diagnostic poll method – State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), as well as the authors’ questionnaire in the form of a family interview for those pregnant. Results. A highly significant (p < 0.001) positive correlation between trait anxiety and the intensification of state anxiety during particular trimesters of pregnancy was noted. Those women who did not receive family support during pregnancy declared worse housing conditions and a dire financial situation, as well as experiencing stress, but also suffered from state anxiety at a significantly higher level (p < 0.001) during all three trimesters of pregnancy. Conclusions. Lack of support from family resulted in experiencing very intense anxiety by the women researched in each trimester. Financial issues and the housing situation, as well as stress factors, brought about an escalation of anxiety in pregnant women.