Salient Beliefs in the Intention for Self-Care Behaviors when Facing Hypertensive Disorders in Pregnant Women

Abstract

Introduction: Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy represent a maternal and perinatal health problem. Therefore, it is important to identify the beliefs preceding the determinants of health behaviors during pregnancy. Objective: To identify the salient beliefs in the intention for self-care behaviors when facing hypertensive disorders in pregnant women. Materials and Methods: A descriptive study with a quantitative approach guided by the Theory of Planned Behavior. Each questionnaire was designed and its semantic validity was assessed. The sample was convenience one and included 114 pregnant women enrolled in prenatal control at a health institution from Piedecuesta, Santander, who answered the questionnaire via telephone calls between January and February of 2022. Data analysis was descriptive, resorting to absolute and relative frequencies. Results: The positive behavioral beliefs were focused on the mother’s proper nutrition, the baby’s healthy growth and development, disease prevention and control during pregnancy, the mother’s relaxation and peace of mind, and blood pressure control and monitoring. Regarding normative beliefs, health personnel, mothers, husbands, and family members exert positive influences on each behavior. The following were acknowledged among the control beliefs: visiting family members promotes the practice of physical exercises; at the nutritional level, there is a habit of preferring low-salt preparations; both family and social support and habit and preference favor the consumption of fruit, vegetables, legumes and meats; lack of habit avoids the consumption of fats, flours, sugars, caffeine, alcohol, and cigarettes; purchase power favors calcium intake; taking a previous shower promotes rest and sleep, and going to pharmacies allows controlling blood pressure. Conclusions: Identifying the salient beliefs allowed determining those that need to be reinforced, negotiated, or restructured in achieving self-care behaviors when facing hypertensive disorders in pregnancy.