Background
Social support and body image perception during pregnancy can impact the psychological distress levels experienced by pregnant women. This study therefore assessed the influence of different components of social support and body image perception on psychological distress levels among pregnant women in their third trimester in Nigeria
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted among 246 pregnant women who were in the third trimester, attending selected health care facilities in Ogbomoso, a semi urban city in Oyo State. Body image perception, social support and psychological distress scales were used to collect the data. Data were analysed and summarized using descriptive and inferential statistics (correlation and binomial logistic regression) with significance set at p < 0.05.
Results
Pregnant women’s dissatisfaction with sexual attractiveness (r= 0.193, p=0.002), appearance related to behaviors (r= 0.324, p=0.000) and body changes (r=0.286, p=0.000) were positively correlated with psychological distress. Belonging social support (r = - 0.135, p=0.035) and tangible social support (r = - 0.225, p=0.000) were negatively correlated with psychological distress. Appraisal support (AOR 2.219, 95% CI 1.480 – 3.329, P=0.000) and married pregnant women (AOR 17.124 CI 3.454 – 84.884, P=0.001) predicted psychological distress.
Conclusion
Pregnant women who are concerned about appearance-related behavior, sexual attractions, body change and body dissatisfaction are more likely to experience some level of psychological distress. Tangible and belonging social support reduced the level of psychological distress among the pregnant women. However, Appraisal support increases psychological distress.