Determinants of well-being in pregnancy: the impact of sociodemographic and obstetric variables and maternal health literacy, cross sectional study.

BACKGROUND

Maternal well-being is paramount in elevating maternal, fetal, and societal health. This study aimed to examine the impact of pregnant women's sociodemographic and obstetric variables, as well as maternal health literacy, on well-being during pregnancy.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted between April and October 2024 at a public hospital in a southeastern province of Türkiye. The study was completed with the participation of 456 pregnant women who met the inclusion criteria. Data were collected utilizing the "WHO-5 Well-Being Index", the "Maternal Information Form," and the "Maternal Health Literacy Inventory in Pregnancy (MHELIP)". The statistical significance level was defined as p<0.05 for all analyses.

RESULTS

The study identified maternal health literacy as the most significant predictor of well-being during pregnancy (β=0.320). Additionally, perceiving income as insufficient (B=-1.872), residing in urban centers (B=-1.708), and the presence of pregnancy-related risks (B=-2.145) were found to contribute substantially to diminished well-being during pregnancy (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

This study found that maternal health literacy along with various maternal socio-demographic and obstetric variables are important determinants of well-being in pregnancy. These findings may provide essential insights to better comprehend the necessities for improving well-being during pregnancy, guiding policymakers and healthcare providers in developing targeted solutions. This understanding could also inform the adaptation of existing health and community services to create a health literacy-sensitive environment more likely to address the diverse health needs of pregnant women and mothers.