Correlation Between Body Image Perception and Distress Among Pregnant Women

Aim: The purpose of this study is to define and compare the correlation between the body image perception and distress during pregnancy among the women having pregnancy experience. Material and Methods: This study was conducted with 467 pregnant women applying to the Bayburt State Hospital of obstetrics and gynecology clinic in a province in Bayburt between March 2015-September 2015. Data were collected by “Personal Information Form”, “Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire (MBSRQ)” and “Tilburg Pregnancy Distress Scale (TPDS)”. In the evaluation of the data, percentage distributions and mean±standard deviation were used for the descriptive analyzes. Cronbach alpha was used to test the reliability of the measurement tool, and Pearson Correlation test was used to evaluate the correlation of the scales. Results: It was found that while TPDS total mean score of pregnant women was 20.02±6.28, their MBSRQ total mean score was 3.44±0.41. A statistically significant negative correlation was found between mean score of the partner involvement subscale of TPDS and the appearance evaluation, health orientation subscale and total mean scores of MBSRQ. A statistically significant negative correlation was determined between mean score of the negative affect subscale of TPDS and the fitness evaluation, health evaluation subscale and total mean scores of MBSRQ. A statistically significant negative correlation was determined between total mean score of TPDS and the evaluation of appearance, fitness evaluation, health evaluation, health orientation subscale and total mean scores of MBSRQ. It was found according to the cut-off score of the TPDS that while rate of the distressed pregnant women was 13.1%, the rate of those who were not distressed was 86.9%. Conclusion: It was determined that negative perception of pregnant women regarding their body image increased the distress level