Stress and Coping in Hospitalized Primigravid Women: A Study in the Antenatal Ward Setting

Background: Pregnancy, while a natural physiological process, presents significant psychological and emotional adjustments, particularly for primigravid women. Understanding the stress experienced during this period and the coping strategies employed is crucial for maternal and fetal well-being. This study aimed to assess the level of stress and coping mechanisms utilized by primigravid women admitted to an antenatal ward. Methods: A quantitative, descriptive cross-sectional design was employed. The study was conducted in the antenatal ward of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at King George's Medical University (KGMU), Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India. A purposive sampling technique was used to recruit 227 primigravid women. Data were collected using a socio-demographic questionnaire, the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and a Coping Strategies Scale. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including chi-square tests and correlation analysis, were used to analyze the data. Results: The majority of participants exhibited serious (42.3%) to very serious (56.4%) levels of stress. Conversely, most women demonstrated good coping strategies (81.9%). Statistical analysis revealed significant associations between stress levels and coping strategies (p < 0.05). Furthermore, significant associations were found between stress levels and selected socio-demographic variables, specifically education, type of marriage, and family income (p < 0.05). Coping strategies were also significantly associated with education level (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Primigravid women in the antenatal ward setting experience substantial stress, alongside predominantly good coping strategies. Socio-demographic factors, particularly education, marriage type, and income, appear to influence stress levels. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to address stress and enhance coping mechanisms among primigravid women during antenatal care.