Level of stress and anxiety in pregnant women under prenatal care at primary care level

Abstract

Introduction: Pregnancy involves physical, social and psychological changes that can generate stress and anxiety, presenting negative consequences for both the mother and the fetus, this is a critical stage that requires comprehensive care. Objective: To determine the relationship between the level of stress and anxiety in pregnant women in a primary care unit. Methodology: Quantitative, correlational, non-experimental, cross-sectional prospective study, with a sample of 60 pregnant women selected through non-probabilistic convenience sampling; using the Perceived Stress Scale instruments with a Cronbach’s Alpha reliability of 0.85 and the Beck Anxiety Inventory with 0.92. The collected data were processed using the SPSS version 27 program. Results: The average anxiety level was 12.56, indicating a very low level, the average stress was 24.51, suggesting that participants occasionally experience stress. The most frequent symptoms were nervousness (24.6%), dizziness or that she loses her head (21.6%) and fear that the worst might happen (19.8%). A Pearson correlation of 0.298 with a significance level of 0.021 was identified, indicating a low but significant positive correlation between the stress and anxiety in pregnant women. Discussion: Pregnant women presented low levels of stress and anxiety compared to other studies, showing variations in results, sample sizes and study conditions. Conclusion: It was determined that pregnant women exhibit low levels of anxiety and stress.

Recepción: 16/05/2024

Aprobación: 31/07/2025