Exploring Pregnant Women's Perceptions of Quality of Life: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

This study was carried out to explore the Turkish Pregnant women's perceptions of Quality of Life. This Qualitative research using a descriptive phenomenological approach was conducted between 1 April 2021 – 31 August 2021 in Ankara Turkey. 20 pregnant women aged 19-38 years were recruited in this study.  Data were obtained through open-ended questions and in-depth audio-recorded interviews, each lasting approximately 30-40 minutes. Pregnant women were asked for information on the quality of life during pregnancy based on their perceptions. The research data were analyzed using the qualitative content analysis approach. As a result of the analysis of the data, 3 main themes were formed. Effects of pregnancy on various areas of health (Emotional changes, Difficulty in performing daily activities, physical problems, changes in eating habits, changes in social interactions), Worries about pregnancy (Material problems, Negative thoughts about birth, Worries about health, Worries about the future) Three main and 13 sub-themes emerged: the perception of satisfaction during pregnancy (Spirituality, Positive attitude towards the formation of pregnancy, Support systems). The quality of life of pregnant women is affected in various areas during pregnancy. In order to quantitatively determine the quality of life during pregnancy, measurement tools supported by qualitative studies are needed.

Keywords: Pregnancy; Quality of life; Qualitative study, Phenomenology

DOI: 10.7176/JHMN/99-05

Publication date: April 30^th 2022