The Role of Perceived Stress and Social Support among Predicting Anxiety in Pregnant Women

Abstract Introduction: Pregnancy anxiety is a common disorder occurred due to various factors. It has significant impact on the outcome of pregnancy. Objective: This study aimed at determining the role of perceived stress and social support to tame anxiety among pregnant women. Materials and Methods: This is a descriptive-analytical study with correlational design. The study&rsquo;s population included all pregnant women who were referred to Ardabil health centers in the second half of 2013 to receive prenatal care. A total of 110 subjects were selected using random sampling method and responded to demographic, perceived stress and social support questionnaires. The data collected was analyzed using Pearson&rsquo;s correlation coefficient and multiple regression analysis. Results: The results showed that anxiety during pregnancy had a negative correlation with negative perception of stress (r=0.56; P<0.001) and positive correlation with positive perception of stress (r=-0.36; P<0.001). It also has support of friends (r=0.42; P<0.001) and family (r=-0.52; P<0.001) and total score of social protection (r=0.52; P<0.001). Results of regression analysis also revealed that 37% of the total variance of pregnancy anxiety is justified by perceived stress and social support. Conclusion: The results showed that the perception of stress and social support received by pregnant women play a role in anxiety during pregnancy