Quality of Life in Pregnant Women with and without Constipation: A Comparative Study.

Aim: Constipation causes various ill-effects on daily life. Several constipation complications during pregnancy do not pose a serious threat to the mother and fetus, but the quality of life of the affected pregnant woman may deteriorate. This study aimed to compare the life qualities of pregnant women with and without constipation. Methods: The study comprised pregnant women visiting the Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital. Data collection was performed using the data collection form, Rome III criteria, and Quality of Life (SF-36) scales by random sampling method and face-to- face interview with 642 pregnant women; of these, 321 were with constipation and 321 without. The homogeneity of the descriptive characteristics of the study groups was assessed by Pearson chi-square test for categorical variables, t- test for independent variables in the numerical variables and Mann--Whitney's U-test (n < 30). The chi-square analysis was performed in parts and used for further analysis. The t-test was used for the comparison of SF-36 Quality of Life Scale sub-dimension averages, in independent groups. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the pregnant women with and without constipation, their levels of education, family income levels, general lifestyles. The difference between the women with and without constipation in terms of sub-dimensions of SF-36, which were physical function (45.40±20.86), physical role strength (21.34±31.32), pain (42.9±18.27), energy/vitality (22.80±13.82), social functioning (51.25±19.77), emotional role strength (l8.17±30.93), mental health (51.29±16.17), and general health perception (44.96±15.45) were highly significant. Moreover, constipation affected the quality of life of the pregnant women in all three trimesters of pregnancy Conclusion: Thus, the health behaviors aiming to cope with constipation must be provided to pregnant women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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