Association of Self-Rated Health in Pregnancy With Maternal Childhood Experiences, Socioeconomic Status, Parity, and Choice of Antenatal Care Providers: Cross-Sectional Study
Background: Background: During pregnancy, self-rated health (SRH) and self-rated mental health (SRMH) are key indicators of health status and predictors of future healthcare needs. Various factors, including maternal childhood, socioeconomic status, and parity, may influence health during pregnancy. How pregnant women seek antenatal care from midwives and general practitioners (GPs) based on their health perceptions remains unclear. Understanding these health factors can help healthcare providers become more aware of the diverse needs of pregnant women. Objective: Objective: This study aims to assess how SRH and SRMH during pregnancy are associated with maternal childhood experiences, socioeconomic status, parity, and antenatal care provided by midwives or general practitioners (GPs). Methods: Methods: An anonymous, web-based cross-sectional survey was conducted from January to March 2022 among pregnant women in Norway, distributed via Facebook and Instagram. The survey included questions on SRH, SRMH, socioeconomic status, childhood perceptions, and antenatal program participation. Pearson’s chi-squared test and logistic regression models were used to explore associations and estimate odds ratios for good SRH and SRMH. Results: Results: Among 1,402 participants, 94.7% reported good or very good health before pregnancy, dropping to 67.8% during pregnancy (p