The relationship between pregnant women's self-perception, happiness levels and prenatal anxiety

ABSTRACT THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PREGNANT WOMEN'S SELF-PERCEPTION, HAPPINESS LEVELS AND PRENATAL ANXIETY Aim: The study aimed to determine the relationship between pregnant women's self-perception during pregnancy, happiness levels, and prenatal anxiety. Material and Method: The descriptive, cross-sectional, and exploratory study was conducted with 360 pregnant women aged 18–45 who visited the Gynecology and Obstetrics Outpatient Clinics (4 clinics) at Tokat Gaziosmanpaşa University Hospital, met the inclusion criteria, and voluntarily agreed to participate in the study. Data were collected using the "Descriptive Information Form," the "Pregnant Women's Self-Perception Scale (PWSPS)," the "Pregnancy-Related Anxiety Scale (PRAS)," and the "Happiness Scale (HS)" (face-to-face). The data obtained from the study were analyzed using the SPSS 22.0 software package with descriptive statistics, t-test, One-Way ANOVA, Mann-Whitney U, mean values, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression analysis. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The mean total score of participants on the PWSPS was 33.21±4.69, on the HS 22.56±5.38, and on the PRAS 76.35±9.22. It was found that pregnant women had moderate levels of anxiety and high levels of happiness and self-perception. Statistically significant differences were found in PWSPS scores according to educational levels of the pregnant women and their spouses, planned pregnancy, gestational week, childbirth method preference, antenatal education, and social support. HS scores were significantly associated with education, employment, and social support. There were significant differences in PRAS scores according to working status, income, number of pregnancies, and gestational week.A weak but significant positive correlation was found between HS and PWSPS scores (r=0.288; p<0.001). A weak and insignificant negative correlation was found between PWSPS and PRAS scores (r=-0.029; p=0.586). A weak and insignificant negative correlation was found between HS and PRAS scores (r=-0.027; p=0.615). vii Conclusion: According to the results of the study, as pregnant women's happiness levels increased, their levels of self-perception significantly increased; as their self-perception increased, their pregnancy-related anxiety levels decreased. It was also found that higher levels of happiness directly and indirectly reduced prenatal anxiety levels. These findings suggest that improving pregnant women's happiness levels may reduce their pregnancy-related anxiety levels. Keywords: Midwifery, Pregnant Women, Self-Perception, Happiness, Prenatal Anxiety