Understanding Perceived Stress and Its Social Determinants Among Mothers of Young Children in Tunisia: The Role of Social Support
1
Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, University Hospital Farhat Hached., Faculty of Medicine, Sousse, Tunisia
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A2614
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
Maternal stress is a critical determinant of both maternal and child health, yet it remains underrecognized in many low- and middle-income settings, including Tunisia. This study assessed levels of perceived stress among mothers of young children in Tunisia and examined its association with social support and social determinants.
METHODS:
A multi-centre cross-sectional study was conducted in Sousse, Tunisia, from February to April 2024. A total of 200 mothers of children under five years were recruited from primary healthcare centres. Perceived stress was measured using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), while social support was assessed using the Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Scale (MOS-SSS). Descriptive statistics summarized participant characteristics and stress levels. Multivariable linear regression models were used to examine associations between perceived stress and social support dimensions, household characteristics, and other relevant social factors. Estimates and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were reported.
RESULTS:
Overall, 14.5% of mothers reported severe stress, and 73.5% experienced moderate stress. Inadequate social support was reported by 28% of participants. Higher emotional support was significantly associated with lower perceived stress (Estimate: –2.79; 95% CI: –5.37 to –0.21; p = 0.035). In contrast, larger household size was associated with increased stress (Estimate: 3.26; 95% CI: 0.91 to 5.62; p = 0.007), as was caring for two or more young children (Estimate: 1.71; 95% CI: 0.03 to 3.39; p = 0.046). Other social factors showed trends toward associations with stress but did not reach statistical significance.
CONCLUSIONS:
Moderate to severe perceived stress is prevalent among Tunisian mothers of young children and is strongly influenced by social support and household-related factors. Strengthening the capacity of nurses and midwives to identify maternal stress through routine screening, coupled with integrated psychosocial support interventions, is crucial for improving maternal well-being within maternal and child health services.
Maternal stress is a critical determinant of both maternal and child health, yet it remains underrecognized in many low- and middle-income settings, including Tunisia. This study assessed levels of perceived stress among mothers of young children in Tunisia and examined its association with social support and social determinants.
METHODS:
A multi-centre cross-sectional study was conducted in Sousse, Tunisia, from February to April 2024. A total of 200 mothers of children under five years were recruited from primary healthcare centres. Perceived stress was measured using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), while social support was assessed using the Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Scale (MOS-SSS). Descriptive statistics summarized participant characteristics and stress levels. Multivariable linear regression models were used to examine associations between perceived stress and social support dimensions, household characteristics, and other relevant social factors. Estimates and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were reported.
RESULTS:
Overall, 14.5% of mothers reported severe stress, and 73.5% experienced moderate stress. Inadequate social support was reported by 28% of participants. Higher emotional support was significantly associated with lower perceived stress (Estimate: –2.79; 95% CI: –5.37 to –0.21; p = 0.035). In contrast, larger household size was associated with increased stress (Estimate: 3.26; 95% CI: 0.91 to 5.62; p = 0.007), as was caring for two or more young children (Estimate: 1.71; 95% CI: 0.03 to 3.39; p = 0.046). Other social factors showed trends toward associations with stress but did not reach statistical significance.
CONCLUSIONS:
Moderate to severe perceived stress is prevalent among Tunisian mothers of young children and is strongly influenced by social support and household-related factors. Strengthening the capacity of nurses and midwives to identify maternal stress through routine screening, coupled with integrated psychosocial support interventions, is crucial for improving maternal well-being within maternal and child health services.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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