SELF-ESTEEM AND QUALITY OF LIFE IN A SERIES OF PREGNANT WOMEN ATTENDED IN A PUBLIC HEALTH NETWORK

Abstract

This paper aims to describe the self-esteem and quality of life levels of pregnant women attended in the public health network of Rio Branco, Acre. Three hundred and fifty-two pregnant women from the urban area with ≥ 35 weeks gestational age were interviewed in 2011. The Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and the World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL) Questionnaire were used in this study. The sample profile evidenced the following information on these women: 40.9% were in the 21-25 age range, 79.3% were single, 82.9% were non-white, 66.7% had secondary or higher education, 60.2% had family income lower than two minimum wages, 59.4% were multiparous and 85.5% wanted their current pregnancy. Lower self-esteem levels were found in unmarried pregnant women and those with greater economic status. In the physical domain, lower quality of life was noted among those above 30 years of age. Thus, during pregnancy, the presence of a partner and the economic status appear to influence women’s self-esteem, while age influences their quality of life.

Keywords

• Pregnancy
• Self-esteem
• Quality of Life
• Public Health