ABSTRACT
Background: Fatigue is a common problem in pregnancy and is associated with negative outcomes. Objective(s): This study aimed to determine the predictors of fatigue in pregnant women. Method(s): This cross-sectional study was conducted on 150 pregnant women with a gestational age of 12-18 weeks visiting the healthcare centers in Mahabad-Iran, 2021. Fatigue was assessed via the modified Multidimensional Assessment of Fatigue (MAF) checklist, depression via the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), stress and anxiety via Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21), well-being via WHO-5, and positive and negative affect via International Positive and Negative Affect Schedule-Short Form (I-PANAS-SF). The general linear model was used to esti-mate the degree of the effect of each independent variable (sociodemographic characteristics, de-pression, stress, anxiety, positive and negative affect, and well-being) on the dependent variable (early pregnancy fatigue). Result(s): The mean (SD) fatigue score was 21.91 (7.07), within the 0-50 possible range. The majori-ty of pregnant women (87.3%) suffered from fatigue. Based on the Pearson or Spearman correlation analysis, a significant correlation was observed between fatigue and depression (r= 0.334, P<0.001), anxiety (r= 0.327, P<0.001), stress (r=0.329, P< 0.001), well-being (r=-0.279, P<0.001), and negative affect (r= 0.308, P<0.001). Based on the adjusted general linear model, the education, stress and negative affect variables were predictors of fatigue. Conclusion(s): The education, stress and negative affect predict fatigue in pregnant women, and their identification contributes to the designation of interventions to mitigate fatigue in this group. More studies are required to identify the causes of fatigue during pregnancy. Copyright © 2023 Bentham Science Publishers.
ABSTRACT
Background: With the global prevalence of COVID-19, general fear has increased along with misinformation and rumors that could affect a pregnant woman's psyche, and her sexual function. Objective: This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of sexual dysfunction and related factors in pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 205 pregnant women. Data collection tools included a socio-demographic characteristics questionnaire and the FSFI, both of which were completed online. Results: The mean (SD) of the overall score of sexual function was 21.54 (8.37), and 80% of participants suffered from sexual dysfunction. The results of the adjusted general linear model showed that the variables of spouse's age and occupation, place of residence, and marital satisfaction were significantly statistically correlated with the sexual function score. In women whose husbands were under 30 years of age compared with those over 35 years of age, in women living in their parents' homes compared to those living in private homes, and in women with high or extremely high marital satisfaction compared to moderate satisfaction, the sexual function score was higher. Conversely, women whose husbands were blue-collar workers had lower sexual function scores than those whose husbands were white-collar workers. Conclusion: It is necessary to consider socio-demographic factors in the treatment and prevention of this sexual function disorders. It is recommended that the appropriate solutions be provided and implemented by the relevant authorities, taking into account the effective modifying factors, in order to further improve this dimension of married life.