Journal of Education and Health Promotion

Investigating the relationship between social support and self‑compassion by improving the adequacy of prenatal care

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

. Nahid Golmakani
. Raziyeh Rahmati 1
. Fatemeh Shaghaghi 2
. Hadise Safinejad 3
. Zahra Kamali 4
. Zahra Mohebbi‑Dehnavi 5

1 MSc of Midwifery, School of Nursing, Larestan University of Medical Sciences, larestan, Iran

2 Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Medicine, Social Development and Health Promotion Research Center, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran

3 Midwifery Faculty, Kerman Branch, Islamic Azad University, Kerman, Iran

4 Department of Midwifery and Reproductive Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Neyshabour University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran

5 PhD Candidate in Reproductive Health, Department of Midwifery and Reproductive Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Getting pregnant care is different due to the psychological problems of pregnant
mothers. Self‑compassion and social support are the important components of mental health.
Women with higher self‑compassion and social support can take full care of their pregnancies. The
aim of this study was to determine the relationship between social support and self‑compassion with
adequate prenatal care.
METHODS: The present study is a cross‑sectional descriptive study that was performed in
2018 using the available sampling method on 500 pregnant mothers referred to Isfahan health
centers. Individuals entered the study if they had entry criteria and no exit criteria, and completed
social support, self‑compassion, and adequacy of pregnancy care questionnaires. The data were
coded and analyzed by SPSS software version 22 and Pearson’s correlation statistical test.
RESULTS: The results of data analysis with Pearson’s correlation test showed a positive and
statistically significant relationship with pregnancy care between the overall score of social support
(P < 0.001) and the dimensions of social support such as family support (P < 0.002), support of
friends (P < 0.004), and the support of other people (P < 0.001). The results also showed a positive
and statistically significant relationship between self‑compassion and prenatal care (P < 0.001). There
was a significant positive relationship between the subscales of the self‑empathy questionnaire,
including kindness to oneself, human commonalities, mindfulness and increasing replication, and
pregnancy care, but there was a significant negative relationship between subscales of isolation and
self‑judgment with pregnancy care.
CONCLUSION: According to the results of the present study, social support and self‑compassion
as two components of mental health can affect the quality of services during pregnancy. For this
reason, it is recommended that health‑care providers pay attention to these two issues in order to
increase the level of care during pregnancy and thus ensure maternal health during pregnancy and
childbirth and the health of the fetus and baby.

Keywords

Adequacy of prenatal care
self‑compassion
social support
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Journal of Education and Health Promotion
Volume 10, Issue 12
December 2020
Pages 1-7

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