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Rezakhan M. Investigation of the Relationship between Stress, Anxiety, and Depression with Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG). SJMR 2025; 10 (2) : 6
URL: http://saremjrm.com/article-1-369-en.html
URL: http://saremjrm.com/article-1-369-en.html
Sarem Gynecology, Obstetrics and Infertility Research Center, Sarem Women’s Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. & Sarem Cell Research Center (SCRC), Sarem Women’s Hospital, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract: (14 Views)
Introduction: Nausea and vomiting are among the most common complications of pregnancy (also called Hyperemesis Gravidarum, HG), affecting multiple aspects of maternal health, while their exact etiology remains unclear. During pregnancy, women become more vulnerable to life stressors, and some researchers have attributed nausea and vomiting to psychological factors. Identifying the determinants of nausea and vomiting may help develop effective strategies for alleviating these symptoms. The present study aimed to examine the relationship between the incidence and severity of pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting with anxiety and depression among pregnant women at Sarem Specialized Hospital in Tehran.
Materials and Methods: This descriptive-correlational study was conducted from 2023 to 2024 on 67 pregnant women (6–16 weeks of gestation) presenting with hyperemesis gravidarum at Sarem Specialized Hospital. Nausea and vomiting were assessed using the Pregnancy-Unique Quantification of Emesis (PUQE) index, anxiety was measured by the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and depression was assessed using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Data were analyzed with SPSS version 22.
Results: The findings demonstrated significant positive correlations between the scores of nausea, vomiting, retching, and the total PUQE score with stress, anxiety, and depression. Women with higher levels of nausea, vomiting, and retching had correspondingly higher scores of stress, state and trait anxiety, and depression, and vice versa. The prevalence of nausea and vomiting among the study participants was 92%. Furthermore, a significant direct relationship was observed between the incidence and severity of nausea and vomiting and the levels of anxiety and depression (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Nausea, vomiting, and retching during pregnancy were significantly associated with stress, anxiety, and depression. Therefore, it is recommended that psychological well-being be given greater consideration in the care of pregnant women.
Materials and Methods: This descriptive-correlational study was conducted from 2023 to 2024 on 67 pregnant women (6–16 weeks of gestation) presenting with hyperemesis gravidarum at Sarem Specialized Hospital. Nausea and vomiting were assessed using the Pregnancy-Unique Quantification of Emesis (PUQE) index, anxiety was measured by the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and depression was assessed using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Data were analyzed with SPSS version 22.
Results: The findings demonstrated significant positive correlations between the scores of nausea, vomiting, retching, and the total PUQE score with stress, anxiety, and depression. Women with higher levels of nausea, vomiting, and retching had correspondingly higher scores of stress, state and trait anxiety, and depression, and vice versa. The prevalence of nausea and vomiting among the study participants was 92%. Furthermore, a significant direct relationship was observed between the incidence and severity of nausea and vomiting and the levels of anxiety and depression (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Nausea, vomiting, and retching during pregnancy were significantly associated with stress, anxiety, and depression. Therefore, it is recommended that psychological well-being be given greater consideration in the care of pregnant women.
Article number: 6
Keywords: Nausea, Vomiting, Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG), Pregnancy, Anxiety, Depression, Psychological Factors, Trait Anxiety.
Article Type: Original Research |
Subject:
Pregnancy Care
Received: 2025/08/11 | Accepted: 2025/09/1 | Published: 2025/09/8
Received: 2025/08/11 | Accepted: 2025/09/1 | Published: 2025/09/8
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