Research Information System
Nursing Communications, vol.7, no.e2023001–e2023036, pp.1-7, 2023 (Peer-Reviewed Journal)
Objective: The aim of this study was to examine of the effects of perceived stress on
antenatal care behaviors and the labor process during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods:
This study was conducted with a descriptive design. The data were collected using an
“Introductory Information Form” and the “Antenatal Perceived Stress Inventory”.
Descriptive statistics were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney U, and
multinomial logistic regression tests. Results: The sample of the study included 487 women.
The mean total Antenatal Perceived Stress Inventory score of the participants was found as
2.30 ± 0.80. The mean medical and obstetric risks/fetal health, psychosocial changes
during pregnancy, and prospect of childbirth subscale scores of the participants were
determined to be 2.29 ± 1.08, 2.26 ± 0.87, and 2.34 ± 0.86, respectively. It was
determined that as the antenatal perceived stress levels of the participants who frequently
attended physical examinations increased, they became 1.535 times more likely to perceive
the care they received to be adequate (Odds ratio (OR): 1.535; 1.045–2.254 Confidence
interval (CI); P = 0.029). It was found that as the antenatal perceived stress levels of the
participants whose clinical tests were frequently analyzed increased, they were 1.518 times
more likely to perceive the care they received to be adequate (OR: 1.518; 1.080–2.135 CI; P
= 0.016). Moreover, as the antenatal perceived stress levels of the participants who
frequently underwent fetal health follow-ups increased, they were 1.573 more likely to
perceive the care they received to be adequate (OR: 1.573; 1.042–2.375 CI; P = 0.031).
Conclusion: It was concluded that as the antenatal perceived stress levels of the women
who frequently underwent physical examinations, clinical test analyses, and fetal health
follow-ups increases, they were more likely to consider that they received adequate care.
Keywords: childbirth; COVID-19; antenatal care; stress