Factors Contributing to Prenatal Stress among Pregnant Women Attending Selected Antenatal Clinics in Nairobi County
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Date
2023-10
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Daystar University, School of Applied Human Sciences
Abstract
Globally, preterm birth is the most common problem in pregnancy, and prenatal stress, though preventable, is the most common cause of this problem. Prenatal stress is not assessed during routine antenatal care (ANC) visits. The purpose of this study was to investigate factors contributing to prenatal stress among pregnant women attending selected ANC clinics in Nairobi County. The objectives of the study were to determine the prevalence of prenatal stress, investigate factors contributing to prenatal stress among pregnant women, and analyse the relationship between factors contributing to prenatal stress and demographic data. The study was guided by the general adaptation syndrome (GAS) and the transactional model of stress and coping theories. The sample size was 274 pregnant women. Purposive and simple random sampling techniques were used to select two level three hospitals included in the study. Stratified and systematic sampling techniques were used to get the desired sample size. The study employed a quantitative cross-sectional research design. A Perceived Stress Scale 10 (PSS 10) questionnaire was the data collection instrument and data analysis was done using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), version 25. The key findings of the study indicated that the prevalence of prenatal stress was 48.9%. Factors contributing to prenatal stress were unplanned pregnancy, intimate partner violence (IPV), lack of social support, and stressful life events. There was a weak positive and negative relationship between factors contributing to prenatal stress and demographic data. The study recommends assessment of prenatal stress done during routine ANC clinic. All ANC clinics should have professional counsellors. Further, it is recommended that pregnant women should be educated about effects of prenatal and stress management skills. Male involvement should be encouraged during the care of a pregnant woman.
Description
MASTER OF ARTS
in Counselling Psychology
Keywords
Prenatal Stress, Pregnant Women, Antenatal Clinics, Nairobi County
Citation
Wamucii, T., (2023). Factors Contributing to Prenatal Stress among Pregnant Women Attending Selected Antenatal Clinics in Nairobi County: Daystar University, School of Applied Human Sciences