Psychosocial and demographic factors related to health behaviors in the 1st trimester.
OBJECTIVE
To explore the relationship of psychosocial and demographic variables to health behaviors in early pregnancy.


METHODS
First trimester findings presented from a prospective study of weight gain in pregnancy.


METHODS
A comprehensive health care system in central Texas.


METHODS
114 pregnant women (75% white, 13% African American, 10% Hispanic, 2% Asian) of 12 weeks gestation or less.


METHODS
Self-Care Inventory, which includes diet/eating, substance abuse, recklessness, hygiene-related practices, sleep/rest, and exercise behaviors.


RESULTS
In regression analysis the final model of demographic and psychosocial variables showed that higher depressive symptoms, lower internal locus of control for fetal health, and lower family income were related to poorer health behaviors in the 1st trimester of pregnancy.


CONCLUSIONS
Health behaviors in early pregnancy may be affected by psychosocial factors such as depressive symptoms. Greater emphasis should be given to such factors in research and prenatal assessments.
Walker
L O
LO
School of Nursing at The University of Texas at Austin, 78701-1499, USA.
Cooney
A T
AT
Riggs
M W
MW
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001828:Body Image; D003863:Depression / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D009042:Motivation; D011247:Pregnancy; D011261:Pregnancy Trimester, First / Q000523:psychology*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012944:Social Support; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000523:psychology; D013781:Texas