FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO STRESS AND BURNOUT AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN ATTENDING ANTENATAL CLINIC IN UGBOR COMMUNITY, BENIN CITY

Abstract

This study investigated the factors contributing to stress and burnout, and coping mechanisms among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic in Ugbor Community, Benin City, Edo State. The descriptive research design was adopted for the study. Three research questions and one hypothesis were raised to guide the study. The population of the study consisted of pregnant women attending antenatal clinic in Ugbor Community, with a sample size of 168 respondents. The study was carried out in Ugbor Community, Benin City. The instrument used for obtaining data was a self-structured questionnaire. The data obtained were analyzed using simple percentage, frequencies, mean, standard deviation, and Chi-square statistical test. Findings of the study showed that the prevalence of stress and burnout among pregnant women was moderate. The study revealed that 48.8% of respondents always experienced morning sickness, 53.6% experienced physical discomfort, and 45.2% experienced difficulty in sleeping due to body changes, indicating notable physical stressors during pregnancy. The finding showed that factors contributing to stress and burnout were generally high, as 48.8% of respondents reported anxiety about the baby’s health and survival, 47.6% indicated pregnancy complications, and 46.4% reported fear of labour as major contributing factors. The finding further revealed that pregnant women adopted various coping mechanisms in managing stress and burnout. 53.6% of respondents strongly agreed that they engage in mindfulness practices such as prayer and meditation, 50.0% reported talking with supportive people, and 46.4% engaged in regular relaxation as coping strategies. The hypothesis tested revealed that there is a statistically significant relationship between coping mechanisms and the level of stress and burnout experienced among pregnant women in the study area (χ² = 18.72, p < 0.05). based on the findings of the study, it was recommended that psychological support should be integrated into antenatal care services with appropriate counseling and referral systems established for pregnant women who show signs of severe stress. Keywords: Stress, burnout, pregnancy, antenatal care, coping mechanisms, pregnant women, Benin City.