The Effect of Perceived Social Support on Pregnancy Stress: A Descriptive and Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: It's known that receiving social support by pregnant women reduces the stress experienced during pregnancy. However, knowledge of potential underlying mechanisms is limited. Special person family and friend are expected to play a role in social support in pregnancy stress. Aim: This study was conducted to determine the effect of perceived social support on pregnancy-related stress of pregnant women. Methods: The descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted with 460 pregnant women. Data were collected using a questionnaire form, Pregnancy Stress Rating Scale-36 (PSRS-36) and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). Results: The PSRS-36 mean point was 55.01±24.33 and MSPSS mean point was 65.63±16.75 in this study. There were statistically significant differences determined between the mean PSRS-36 points according to the age group, educational status, province of residence, partner occupation, years of marriage, relationship with the partner, number of pregnancies, number of children, and week of pregnancy. There were statistically significant differences in MSPSS points according to educational status, occupation, partner educational status, family type, income level and partner relationship, pregnancy number, number of children, receiving pregnancy with birth education, and pregnancy support. While there was no relationship between PSRS-36 and total MSPSS, only a negative significant relationship was found between PSRS-36 total score and the "significant other" subscale of MSPSS. It was found that the essential predictors of PSRS-36 were the week of gestation, the relationship level of the pregnant woman with her partner, and the age of the pregnant woman. Conclusion: The results of the study found that pregnancy stress decreased as significant other support increased. In addition, the pregnancy week, the relationship with the partner, and the age of the pregnant woman were important predictors of pregnancy stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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