Understanding Social and Psychological Drivers of Coping in Pregnancy in Tunisia: The Role of Self‑Efficacy and Social Factors
1
Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, University Hospital Farhat Hached., Faculty of Medicine, Sousse, Tunisia
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A2618
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Pregnancy is a critical life stage characterized by psychosocial changes and often accompanied by stressors that can affect maternal and foetal health. Effective coping strategies and higher general self efficacy (GSE) are key protective factors that help pregnant women manage these stressors and maintain well being. This study aimed to describe coping styles used by pregnant women attending antenatal care and to assess their associations with GSE, social characteristics, and pregnancy related factors.
METHODS:
A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted from July 2024 to March 2025 across nine antenatal clinics in Sousse, Tunisia, using multi-stage random sampling. Pregnant women aged 18–45 years were eligible for participation. Data collection employed validated Arabic versions of the Pregnancy Experience Scale–Brief (PES Brief), the Brief COPE Inventory, and the General Self Efficacy Scale (GSES). Descriptive statistics summarized coping patterns and participant characteristics. Multivariable linear regression models were used to examine associations between coping styles and GSE, sociodemographic factors, and pregnancy related variables.
RESULTS:
A total of 417 pregnant women participated. Emotion focused coping was the most frequently used strategy (mean = 31.83 ± 6.85), followed by problem focused coping (22.76 ± 5.65) and avoidant coping (14.77 ± 3.70). Mean GSE was 28.15 ± 6.01, with 12.2% reporting low, 52.8% moderate, and 35% high GSE levels. Higher GSE significantly predicted greater use of problem focused and emotion focused coping (p < 0.05). Unemployment and divorce were associated with lower planning and acceptance scores, while rural residence was linked to reduced acceptance (p < 0.05). Higher education levels positively predicted positive reframing (p < 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS:
Findings highlight the significant influence of social, relational, and structural factors on coping during pregnancy. Interventions that enhance self efficacy and address gaps in social support are essential to strengthen maternal resilience and to promote maternal well-being during pregnancy
Pregnancy is a critical life stage characterized by psychosocial changes and often accompanied by stressors that can affect maternal and foetal health. Effective coping strategies and higher general self efficacy (GSE) are key protective factors that help pregnant women manage these stressors and maintain well being. This study aimed to describe coping styles used by pregnant women attending antenatal care and to assess their associations with GSE, social characteristics, and pregnancy related factors.
METHODS:
A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted from July 2024 to March 2025 across nine antenatal clinics in Sousse, Tunisia, using multi-stage random sampling. Pregnant women aged 18–45 years were eligible for participation. Data collection employed validated Arabic versions of the Pregnancy Experience Scale–Brief (PES Brief), the Brief COPE Inventory, and the General Self Efficacy Scale (GSES). Descriptive statistics summarized coping patterns and participant characteristics. Multivariable linear regression models were used to examine associations between coping styles and GSE, sociodemographic factors, and pregnancy related variables.
RESULTS:
A total of 417 pregnant women participated. Emotion focused coping was the most frequently used strategy (mean = 31.83 ± 6.85), followed by problem focused coping (22.76 ± 5.65) and avoidant coping (14.77 ± 3.70). Mean GSE was 28.15 ± 6.01, with 12.2% reporting low, 52.8% moderate, and 35% high GSE levels. Higher GSE significantly predicted greater use of problem focused and emotion focused coping (p < 0.05). Unemployment and divorce were associated with lower planning and acceptance scores, while rural residence was linked to reduced acceptance (p < 0.05). Higher education levels positively predicted positive reframing (p < 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS:
Findings highlight the significant influence of social, relational, and structural factors on coping during pregnancy. Interventions that enhance self efficacy and address gaps in social support are essential to strengthen maternal resilience and to promote maternal well-being during pregnancy
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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