Emotional Responses to Pregnancy Based on Geographical Classification of Residence

Abstract

Pregnancy is a time of life-changing events. How the woman adapts to pregnancy varies greatly. These variations may be seen in the measurements of anxiety, depression and uncertainty. These emotional responses may be influenced by factors in her psychosocial environment. Of interest in this study was whether the woman’s emotional responses to pregnancy was influenced by whether she lived in a rural or urban setting. A descriptive design was used to compare pregnant women’s responses to a survey instrument measuring the aspects of anxiety, depression and uncertainty based on geographical classification of residence. A sample of 128 first-trimester primaparas was recruited from obstetrical providers’ offices in three southern cities. The providers cared for women living in the urban area and surrounding rural counties. Rural residence was significantly related to anxiety, depression and uncertainty scores in pregnant women. These findings should alert nurses and other healthcare providers to screen for these differences and plan interventions to reduce high levels of negative emotional responses and hopefully improve outcomes.