Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Pregnancy is intended to be a time of emotional well-being; however, for many women, it becomes a period filled with disbelief, worry, sadness, anxiety, stress and even depression. Mental health, despite being a crucial aspect of reproductive health, is often neglected. Anxiety during pregnancy has been associated with depression and various negative pregnancy outcomes. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to assess the magnitude of pregnancy-related anxiety (PRA) and its associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care (ANC) at public health institutions in Dessie town, Northeast Ethiopia. PARTICIPANT: The study involved 367 pregnant women who were attending their ANC visits. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: An institution-based cross-sectional study was carried out in Dessie town, Northeast Ethiopia, from 1 May to 30 July 2023. A systematic random sampling technique was employed. A standardised, pretested and interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. The data were entered into EpiData V.4.6 and exported to the Statistical Package for the Social Science V.25. Both bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify variables significantly associated with PRA. The adjusted OR (AOR) with its 95% CI at a p value of ≤0.05 was used to determine statistical association. RESULT: A total of 367 pregnant women participated. The mean age of the participants was 29.5 (±5.5) years. The overall magnitude of PRA was 39.5% (95% CI (34.5, 44.7)). Being unmarried (adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 2.648, 95% CI (1.429, 4.908)), living in an urban residence (AOR: 2.1, 95% CI (1.205, 3.661)), experiencing unplanned and unwanted pregnancy (AOR: 2.794, 95% CI (1.229, 6.351)), having poor social support (AOR: 3.434, 95% CI (1.709, 6.899)) and having a history of infertility (AOR: 3.325, 95% CI (1.498, 7.379)) were significantly associated with PRA. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study revealed a high level of PRA in the study area, highlighting the importance for healthcare providers to address this issue and offer screening and counselling during routine ANC visits. This is especially crucial for unmarried women, for those living in urban areas, as well as those with limited social support and a history of infertility. It is essential to take proactive steps to enhance social support networks, and partners and families should be educated on how to provide emotional and social support. Strengthening family planning services and psychological support is also vital in empowering women to prevent unplanned and undesired pregnancies that can contribute to their anxiety levels.