Relationship of Socioeconomic Status with Psychological State and the Number of Weeks of Pregnancy at the Time of a First Prenatal Examination among Perinatal Women

Abstract

Background: Socioeconomic status (SES) is correlated with morbidity and mortality rates, in addition to people of a lower social status. Many of such people have health-related problems and do not undergo a regular health checkup or consult a medical practitioner. We investigated whether a correlation exists between SES, psychological state and the number of weeks of gestation at the time of the first examination. We clarified the influence of SES on the subjects' life events (e.g. pregnancy and childbirth), in order to understand appropriate support measures.Methods: A total of 151 female study subjects were selected from among women hospitalized for postpartum care, who underwent prenatal checkups, and delivered their children in the study center. Questionnaire surveys, one of which involved an interview, were conducted in a cross-sectional manner for the subjects' during their pregnancy and in the postpartum period. Results:The results show that women who perceived financial constraints showed a significantly stronger tendency to develop depression. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that women whose partners had an educational background of junior high school level underwent their first gestational examination at week 12 or later of pregnancy (odds ratio of 10.99, P = 0.001; 95% confidence interval, 3.15-86.79). Conclusion:The present study suggests the importance of observing the correlation between SES and health among pregnant women, such that strategic interventional services can be provided to such persons. General Medicine 2014, vol. 15, no. 1, p. 34-42. Original Article -34 - INTRODUCTIONOne's ascribed status (e.g., sex, race, parental educational background and income) influences his/her educational background, through which the person's future adult status (e.g., occupation, employment position, and income) is determined. Therefore, the socioeconomic status (SES), such as educational background, occupation, employment situation (e.g. unemployed and lack of job security), income, homeownership, and financial satisfaction, is regarded as of major importance in the social sciences. 1 SES is also correlated with health indices, such as morbidity and mortality, in people of a lower social status. Many of such people have health-related problems and do not undergo a regular health checkup or consult a medical practitioner. 2,3 SES has been identified as a factor related to the absence of regular prenatal checkups, hospitalizations and child deliveries without appointments, and unpaid fees for newborn deliveries. [4][5][6][7][8] Prenatal checkups, one of the medical and welfare policies for women in the maternity period, are provided to aid in reducing the mortality rate among women and their fetuses/newborns, preventing abortions and premature births, and preventing and facilitating early detection of diseases and developmental disorders. Many women become aware that they are pregnant at approximately week 5 of pregnancy, based on subjective symptoms such as delayed menses, morning sickness,...