A study on the factors influencing pregnancy-related anxiety and its correlation with family functioning and social support among primiparous pregnant women in early pregnancy

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate the current status of pregnancy-related anxiety (PrA) in primiparous pregnant women, analyze the influencing factors of PrA, and its correlation with family function and social support.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study that recruited 773 primiparous pregnant women from March to December 2019. The Pregnancy-related Anxiety Questionnaire was used to assess PrA, family function was measured by the Family Adaptation, Partnership, Growth, Affection, Resolve Scale, and social support was measured by the Perceived Social Support Scale.

Results

The incidence of PrA among 773 primiparous pregnant women was 19.9%. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that current physical discomfort, current working pressure, whether there were major changes in the family in the past half year, physical condition before this pregnancy, pregnancy intention, and family function were risk factors influencing PrA in primiparous pregnant women. PrA was negatively associated with family functioning (p < 0.01). Family function was positively correlated with social support, family support dimension, and outside family support dimension (p < 0.01).

Conclusions

PrA was common among primiparous pregnant women in early pregnancy. Poor physical condition before and during pregnancy, major family accidents in the past half year, high work pressure during pregnancy, unexpected pregnancy, and family dysfunction were risk factors for PrA of primiparous pregnant women in early pregnancy. The PrA of primiparous pregnant women was negatively correlated with family function. Family function was positively correlated with social support, family support dimension, and outside family support dimension.