Factors Influencing the Quality of Life of Healthy Pregnant Women in North Jordan

• Main Authors: Ghadeer Alzboon, Gülşen Vural
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2019-06-01
• Series: Medicina
• Subjects: healthy pregnancy; quality of life; perceived stress; perceived social support
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/1010-660X/55/6/278

<i>Background and Objectives</i>: Quality of life (QOL) assessment during pregnancy contributes to determining women&#8217;s unmet needs and preventing negative health outcomes. In this study, we aimed to identify the effects of participants&#8217; characteristics, perceived stress, and perceived social support on their QOL. We also aimed to determine the differences in QOL according to these factors. <i>Materials and Methods</i>: A cross-sectional study was carried out in a city in Jordan. Purposive sampling was used to select 218 participants. Data was collected by the quality of life Short Form- 36(SF-36) survey, perceived stress scale (PSS), and The Multidimensional perceived Social Support Scale (MSPSS). <i>Results</i>: We found that only parity had a significant effect on the QOL. High-parity women had lower QOL scores than low-parity women. The participants reported high social support, specifically from their families and significant others. The 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey was a reliable tool for measuring the QOL in pregnancy. <i>Conclusions</i>: Parity factor and social support should be recognized in any health promotion intervention and during providing antenatal care. Further research is needed toassess the QOL during pregnancy.