Evaluation of pregnancy-related anxiety and fetal health locus of control in expectant mothers registered at Çukurova University education Family health center

Aim: This study aims to evaluate pregnancy-related anxiety and fetal health locus of control in expectant mothers receiving primary healthcare services, and to determine their need for counseling on these issues. Materials and Methods: The population of this cross-sectional study consisted of pregnant women registered in four units at the Çukurova University Education Family Health Center (N=121). The study was conducted with 110 pregnant women who visited the center for any reason and agreed to participate, between 15.10.2023 and 15.12.2023. Data were collected using a questionnaire form covering sociodemographic information and pregnancy characteristics, as well as the 'Health Locus of Control Scale for the Fetus' and the 'Pregnancy-Related Anxiety Scale'. Results: The mean age of participants was 28.9±4.6 years (range 18-39), and the mean total score of the Pregnancy-Related Anxiety Scale was found to be 59.68±13.83. When the test value was considered as 50% of the possible score, the average scale score was found to be lower (p<0.001). While 16.4% of the participants stated that they had not sought any help regarding pregnancy-related or baby-related concerns, 36.4% responded positively to the question, 'Would you like to receive support on this issue from your family physician?' No relationship was found between the total score on the Pregnancy-Related Anxiety Scale and the subscale scores for health locus of control. However, a weak to moderate negative correlation was found between the 'attitudes toward birth' and 'powerful others' health locus of control' subscales, as well as between the 'attitudes toward medical personnel' subscale score and the internal, chance, and powerful others health locus of control scores (p<0.05). Conclusion: Although the pregnancy-related anxiety levels of the pregnant women registered at our center were not found to be high during the study period, it was determined that approximately 8 out of 10 were seeking help for concerns related to pregnancy and/or their unborn babies. Considering the finding that one in three pregnant women expressed a desire for support from their family physician on this issue, it is recommended that interventions to address the concerns of expectant mothers be incorporated into prenatal care. Future research should also investigate the specific topics and methods of support expectant mothers seek from their family physicians. Keywords: Family medicine, pregnancy, pregnancy-related anxiety, fetal health locus of control