Effect of Social Support on Health Related Quality of Life in Pregnant Women- A Cross-sectional Study at a Tertiary Care Hospital Multan, South-Punjab Pakistan

Abstract

Objective: To explore the relationship between social support and health-related quality of life among pregnant women.

Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Nishtar Medical University Hospital Multan, Pakistan. The duration of study was from January to March2017. Pregnant women presenting to our hospital were approached for data collection. The chronological age range of the sample was 15-35 years and ages of pregnancy in months were included. Social support of pregnant women was measured through multidimensional scale of perceived social support and health-related quality of life was measured through medical outcomes study questionnaire.

Results: Of the 120 participants, 66(55%) were from rural areas, and 54(45%) from the urban areas. Subjects who were in their first trimester of pregnancy were 72(60%), while 25(20.8%) were in their second trimester and 23 (19.2%) in the third. Of the total, 80(66.66%) were educated women and 40 (33.34%) were illiterate. Subjects with a history of physical illness were 76 (63.30%) while 60 (50%) suffered from psychological illness too. There was a significantly positive relationship between social support and health-related quality of life among the pregnant subjects (p<0.05).

Conclusion: More social support can increase the health-related quality of life of pregnant women.

Keywords: Social support, Health related quality of life, pregnant women.