Health-Seeking Behaviors in High-Risk Pregnancies: The Interplay of Stress, Social Support, and Coping Mechanisms

Introduction: Health-seeking behavior in high-risk pregnancies is influenced by stress, social support, and coping. This study aimed to explore health-seeking behaviors and examine the relationship among stress, social support, and coping mechanisms in high-risk pregnant women. Methods: A descriptive-analytical study was conducted in 2024 on 320 high-risk pregnant women in Ahvaz, Iran, using multi-stage stratified cluster sampling. Participants were selected through multi-stage stratified cluster sampling. Data were collected through Health-seeking Behavior Questionnaire (HSBQ), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-4), Social Support Scale (OSSS-3), and Coping Strategies Questionnaire (CSQ). Results: Most participants (86%) sought care immediately after confirming pregnancy, yet 84.7% did not attend prenatal classes, and 65.9% lacked preconception care. While 72% reported stress during pregnancy, only 21.3% sought mental health support. Support from husbands (65%) and doctors (48%, with 83.4% trust) was common. Social support levels varied, with 50% experiencing poor support, 37% average, and 12% good support. Social support was significantly associated with antenatal checkups (χ² = 35.66, p < 0.0001), preconception care (χ² = 6.66, p = 0.03), counseling (χ² = 20.11, p < 0.0001), mental health support (χ² = 87.98, p < 0.0001), and information seeking (χ² = 30.30, p < 0.0001). A significant relationship was also found between stress and social support (p < 0.0001, r = -0.39) as well as coping behaviors (p < 0.0001, r = 0.22). Discussion: Social support plays a key role in promoting health-seeking behaviors and reducing stress, consistent with prior evidence. Yet, low use of psychosocial and educational services, due to stigma, limited awareness, and access issues, highlights the need for targeted interventions to strengthen support systems, expand education, and improve access to comprehensive care. Conclusion: High-risk pregnant women generally demonstrated appropriate health-seeking behaviors, but engagement with educational and mental health services was low. Strengthening social support and addressing barriers are essential for improving maternal outcomes.