Eleventh International Conference on Health, Wellness & Society

Abstract

Pregnancy can be viewed as a stressful time in a woman’s life due to multiple physical and psychological changes. The use of positive religious coping has been associated with positive mental health outcomes. However, little is known about the relationship between religious coping, perceived stress and depression and anxiety in pregnant woman, particularly in diverse samples including those who are Muslim and reside in the Middle East. The aim of this study is to explore the relationship between religious coping, perceived stress, anxiety, and depression symptom in pregnant women of Arab descent residing in Qatar. Participants were a mostly Muslim (99%) sample of 402 pregnant women of both Qatari (64%) and non-Qatari (36%) descent residing in Qatar. Women were recruited from prenatal clinics and were asked about their depression and anxiety symptoms, perceived stress, religious coping, demographic and other health factors. Women who reported more use of positive of religious coping reported less depression and anxiety symptoms. Reporting more perceived stress was related to more depression and anxiety symptoms. The final analyses explores whether religious coping buffers the relationship between perceived stress and depression and anxiety symptoms and the relationship between these factors and obstetric outcomes. Results indicate the importance of positive religious coping for pregnant mostly Muslim Arab women. Interventions that utilize spirituality to support pregnant women psychological well-being are discussed.