Explanatory Factors and Levels of Health-Related Quality of Life Among Healthy Pregnant Women at Midpregnancy: A Cross-Sectional Study of The PregnActive Project

Abstract

Aims: To identify potential explanatory factors and establish health-related quality of life (HRQoL) levels of healthy pregnant women at midpregnancy.

Background: The HRQoL levels perceived by pregnant women are lower than those perceived by women of similar age and decline during the course of pregnancy.

Design: An exploratory cross-sectional design was used.

Methods: One hundred thirty-four healthy women from antenatal clinics completed questionnaires were administered a cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) test and wore a multisensor body monitor for 7 days at midpregnancy. Data were collected from September 2015-December 2016.

Results: Cardiorespiratory fitness, musculoskeletal symptoms, and age were identified as explanatory factors of the physical component summary of HRQoL. Explanatory factors of the mental component summary included musculoskeletal and psychological symptoms and light activity. Significant differences in HRQoL levels were identified among groups of pregnant women stratified by age, occupational status, pregnancy symptoms, and CRF.

Conclusions: Modifiable factors of HRQoL, such as CRF and active lifestyle may be important areas to target in interventions aimed at promoting HRQoL in healthy women at midpregnancy. The identification of the groups of pregnant women with lower levels of HRQoL may help midwives and health professional to focus their advice and conduct interventions on these groups of pregnant women. These modifiable factors should be considered in future longitudinal studies to determine causal effects, will likely help improve multidisciplinary treatments.