The factors affecting self-esteem, depression and body image of pregnant women in a state hospital in Turkey

Abstract

Objective: To determine the factors affecting self-esteem, depression and body image of pregnant women at gestational age >= 28 weeks.

Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted at Ataturk State Hospital, Balikesir, Turkey from April to October 2016, and comprised pregnant women presenting to the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Outpatient Clinic. Data was collected using a questionnaire demographic characteristics, Body Image Scale, Beck Depression Inventory and Rosenberg Self Esteem Scale. Data was analysed using SPSS 22.

Results: Of the 385 women approached, 362(94.0%) participated. Their mean age was 26.0 +/- 5.1 years. Those having graduated from a university and those who were employed had high self-esteem (p<0.05). Women whose husbands were unemployed, who had low family income and got married unwillingly, had low self-esteem and high depressive symptoms (p<0.05). In women whose husbands displayed negative attitudes towards their gaining weight during pregnancy, there was a negative relationship between depression and self-esteem scores (p<0.05), a positive correlation between self-esteem and body image scores (p<0.05), and a negative correlation between their body image and depression scores (p<0.05).

Conclusion: Identification of the factors affecting women's perception of self-esteem, body image and possible depressive symptoms are important for the wellbeing of women and their family.