Date of Award
2011
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science
Program
Epidemiology and Biostatistics
Supervisor
Dr. M. Karen Campbell
Abstract
The current state of research into antenatal anxiety is lacking in a comprehensive understanding of determinants. This study aims to expand knowledge in this area, with the two main objectives being to determine potential determinants of maternal antenatal state-anxiety and to identify the pattern of state-anxiety in the second trimester, measured by the abbreviated state version of the State Trait Anxiety Inventory. Data used for this cross-sectional study were obtained from the Prenatal Health Project: a population cohort study of 2357 women in London, Ontario. Our primary hypothesis was that “feelings about the pregnancy” would be a determinant of antenatal state-anxiety. Results from a multiple linear regression analysis revealed that greater stress, feeling unsure/unhappy about the pregnancy and having low self-esteem, low mastery and low social support from one’s partner and family were statistically significant determinants of state-anxiety during the second trimester. In addition, anxiety was found to be inversely related to gestational age. We concluded that how a woman feels about her pregnancy was a predictor of state-anxiety. The findings of this study may facilitate anxiety prevention efforts.
Recommended Citation
Akiki, Salwa, "DETERMINANTS OF MATERNAL ANTENATAL STATE-ANXIETY: ROLE OF MATERNAL FEELINGS ABOUT THE PREGNANCY" (2011). Digitized Theses. 3301.
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/digitizedtheses/3301