Predictors of Health-Promoting Behaviors in Pregnant Women

This descriptive survey aimed to identify the relationship between depression, maternal-fetal attachment, spousal support, and health-promoting behaviors in pregnant women to obtain foundational data to develop health-promotion education programs. Data were collected from June 18-July 30, 2019. Participants were 214 pregnant women (≥ 20 weeks of gestation) with a spouse who visited two women’s hospitals in D city. Data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, t-test, analysis of variance, Scheffé’s test, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and stepwise multiple regression analysis. Regression analyses revealed that maternal-fetal attachment, perceived health status, education level, prenatal depression, presence of pregnancy complications, and spousal support significantly impacted health-promoting behaviors and explained 52.6% of the variance. It is necessary to develop prenatal education programs to promote maternal-fetal attachment that consider women’s education level and health status. Early intervention for addressing prenatal depression and promoting spousal support are also important.