Assessing the Physical, Psychological, and Spiritual Aspects of Self-Care Behaviors for Managing Minor Discomforts During Pregnancy in Karbala City

BackgroundSelf-care behavior is crucial for maintaining the health and well-being of pregnant women. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can lead to minor discomforts that may impact a womans quality of life. Proper self-care practices help in managing these discomforts effectively.ObjectivesThis study aims to evaluate the self-care behaviors of primigravida and multigravida women in managing minor discomforts during pregnancy. Additionally, it explores the relationship between self-care behaviors and various demographic and reproductive factors.MethodsA descriptive quantitative study was conducted using a non-probability sample of 350 pregnant women (127 primigravida and 223 multigravida) attending primary healthcare facilities in Karbala City. A structured questionnaire with 95 items was administered, covering socio-demographic characteristics, obstetric history, and self-care behaviors. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.ResultsThe findings indicate that the majority of the study sample consisted of housewives, nuclear family members, and individuals aged 20-39 years with a bachelor's degree. Overall, self-care behaviors were moderate, with significant correlations between self-care behavior and education level (p=0.001), occupation (p=0.002), and family type (p=0.004). Additionally, reproductive variables such as gravidity (p=0.001), number of abortions (p=0.002), parity (p=0.008), and duration of marriage (p=0.011) were significantly associated with self-care behaviors.ConclusionPregnant women exhibit moderate self-care behaviors in managing minor discomforts. Significant differences were observed in self-care behaviors based on gravidity, with primigravida women demonstrating higher self-care scores in physiological discomfort management. Healthcare providers should enhance education and support to improve self-care practices during pregnancy.