Determination of the effect of healthy lifestyle behaviors on depression during pregnancy

Healthy lifestyle behaviors and well-being affect pregnancy outcomes. The aim of this study was to determine healthy lifestyle behaviors, depressive symptoms, associated factors and the relationship between these variables in pregnant women. The study included 373 pregnant Non-Stress Test Polyclinic in Manisa. Data were collected using a questionnaire on women's descriptive characteristics, the Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors in Pregnancy Scale (HLBPS) and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). The means total HLBPS score was 116,7±11,1. The mean total HLBPS score was found to be higher women and their spouses with higher educational levels, living in nuclear families and women nulliparous women. Mean total HLBPS scores were significantly higher in women who healthy dietary habits, exercised during pregnancy and attended regular gynecological checkups before pregnancy. Women reporting very good spousal relationships had significantly higher mean total HLBPS scores (p<0,05). The mean BDI score of the women was 11,7±6,5, and 62,7% had minimal depression. The mean BDI score was significantly higher among women whose spouses had lower educational levels, who had been married for five years or longer and who reported a moderate relationship with their spouse. Women who had unintended pregnancies, a history of stillbirth, did not receive health education during pregnancy and did not engage in exercise, had significantly higher BDI scores (p<0,05). A negative and moderate correlation was determined between women's BDI and HLBPS scores (r=-0,317, p<0,001). Research findings suggest that women who adopt healthy lifestyle behaviours experience fewer symptoms of depression. Therefore, emphasizing these behaviours during antenatal care is crucial.