Examination of cognitive function status and affecting factors during pregnancy

Title: Examination of cognitive function status and affecting factors during pregnancy Aim: The aim of this study is to examine the cognitive function status of women during pregnancy and the factors affecting these functions. Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Eskişehir Osmangazi University Health, Practice and Research Hospital between February and October 2024. The study sample consisted of 343 pregnant women who applied to the Obstetrics and Gynecology Outpatient Clinic of the hospital. Data were collected using the Personal Information Form, Digit Span Test, and Stroop Test. The data were analyzed using the R-4.4.1 software. Descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation were used, along with Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis, and Dunn tests for non-parametric comparisons. Chi-square test was applied for categorical variables, and Spearman's rho coefficient and regression analysis were used to examine associations. Results: The mean age of the participants was 27.42 ± 4.45 years. Of the participants, 88.3% had completed high school or higher education, 87.2% received spousal support, 82.5% reported receiving family support, 72.3% experienced childbirth-related anxiety, and 52.2% had sleep problems. Simple attention levels were found to be within normal range, while memory, complex attention, and concentration functions were found to be impaired. A statistically significant relationship was found between planned pregnancy and memory status (p<0.003), as well as between childbirth-related anxiety, sleep problems, and fatigue and the attention and concentration status of the pregnant women (p<0.001). Furthermore, receiving spousal support (p<0.007; p<0.029) and family support (p<0.006; p<0.003) were significantly associated with better performance in complex attention and concentration functions. Conclusion: Certain changing factors during pregnancy were found to negatively affect pregnant women's attention and concentration levels. Therefore, it is recommended that nurses develop supportive programs targeting cognitive functions before and after pregnancy. Keywords: nursing, pregnancy, neurocognitive functions, memory, attention, concentration