ASSESSMENT OF STRESS AND ANXIETY LEVELS AMONG WOMEN WITH HIGH-RISK PREGNANCIES ADMITTED TO ANTENATAL WARDS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY
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Abstract
Background: High-risk pregnancies complicate approximately 10–20% of all gestations and expose women to substantial psychological distress. Antenatal hospitalization, though clinically necessary, removes women from their familiar environment and intensifies uncertainty, fear of fetal compromise, and loss of control. Despite growing recognition of perinatal mental health as a public health priority, routine psychological screening of hospitalized high-risk pregnant women remains inconsistent.
Objective: To assess the prevalence and correlates of stress and anxiety among women with high-risk pregnancies admitted to antenatal wards of a tertiary care hospital.
Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 186 women admitted to the antenatal ward with a high-risk pregnancy diagnosis. Data were collected using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale–Anxiety subscale (HADS-A), alongside a structured sociodemographic and clinical proforma. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multivariable logistic regression were used for analysis (α = 0.05).
Results: The mean age of participants was 27.4 ± 5.1 years; 41.4% were primigravida and 58.6% multigravida. Moderate-to-high perceived stress was observed in 62.4% of women, and clinically significant anxiety (HADS-A ≥ 8) in 48.4%. Higher stress levels were significantly associated with gestational age < 28 weeks (p = 0.032), length of hospital stay > 7 days (p = 0.004), absence of spousal support (p = 0.018), and a history of previous pregnancy loss (p = 0.026). On multivariable analysis, prolonged hospitalization (aOR 2.41, 95% CI 1.32–4.39) and previous pregnancy loss (aOR 1.89, 95% CI 1.02–3.51) remained independent predictors of high stress.
Conclusion: Stress and anxiety are highly prevalent among hospitalized women with high-risk pregnancies. Routine psychological screening, structured psychosocial support, and integrated mental health referral pathways should be embedded within antenatal ward care.
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