How Does Falling Relate to Fatigue, Fear of Falling, Mood and Quality of Life in Pregnancy?

Abstract

Objective:There are many studies on the impact of physical changes on pregnancy falls. We conducted this study to investigate the effects of mental changes as well as physical changes on pregnancy fall. Therefore, we evaluated how people who fell during pregnancy were related to fatigue, fear of falling, mood and health-related quality of life.Method:Pregnant women were divided into 2 groups as those who falled (group 1) and those who did not (group 2). Pregnant women in both groups were tested to stand on one leg, and the following forms were filled: fatigue severity scale (FSS), Beck depression inventory (BDI), falls efficacy scale international (FES), and Nottingham health profile (NHP). The groups were compared based on the data obtained.Results:FSS (group 1: 4.9±1.6, group 2: 4.0±1.8, p=0.002), BDI (gsroup 1: 23.9±12.5, group 2: 10.8±7.3, p<0.001), FES (group 1: 39.5±10.5, group 2: 26.6±6.6, p<0.001), and NHP (group 1: 321.9±123.1, group 2: 189.4±96.1 p<0.001) were found to be significantly higher in group 1. FES was positively correlated with FSS, BDI and NHP, and significantly negatively correlated with the test of standing on one leg. The test of standing on one leg was negatively correlated with FES, FSS, BDI and NHP.Conclusion:This study shows that mental changes as well as physical changes can have an impact on falls and balance in pregnant women.

Keywords

• depression
• fall
• fatigue
• pregnancy
• quality of life