Perception of scientific uncertainty about climate change and associations with anxiety and maternal-fetal attachment among pregnant women.

INTRODUCTION

Perception of scientific uncertainty about climate change (PSUCC) may contribute to emotional distress and impede maternal psychological adaptation during pregnancy. However, evidence in pregnant women remains limited. This study examined the level and predictors of PSUCC, as well as its association with prenatal anxiety and maternal-fetal attachment.

METHODS

Convenience sampling method was used to select pregnant women from three tertiary hospitals in Henan Province, China, between October and December 2025. A total of 537 pregnant women completed questionnaires assessing demographic and obstetric characteristics, PSUCC, prenatal anxiety, and maternal-fetal attachment. Multiple linear regression, Pearson correlation analysis, and structural equation modeling (SEM) were used for data analysis.

RESULTS

The mean scores of PSUCC, prenatal anxiety, and maternal-fetal attachment were 30.09 ± 7.63, 11.09 ± 4.56, and 48.02 ± 14.83, respectively. PSUCC was positively correlated with prenatal anxiety (r = 0.679, p < 0.001) and negatively correlated with maternal-fetal attachment (r = -0.672, p < 0.001). SEM showed that PSUCC was directly associated with increased prenatal anxiety and reduced maternal-fetal attachment (attachment strength and attachment quality). In addition, prenatal anxiety partially mediated the relationship between PSUCC and maternal-fetal attachment. Overall, higher PSUCC was associated with greater prenatal anxiety and weaker maternal-fetal attachment among pregnant women.

CONCLUSION

The findings indicating that PSUCC may be a psychosocial stressor associated with anxiety and maternal-fetal attachment among Chinese pregnant women. The results support the inclusion of climate-related risk communication and psychological support in routine prenatal care to promote maternal psychological adaptation.