Women's outcome instrument for maternal health care (WOICE) of Iranian pregnant women after 35: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND

Exploring the health dimensions of pregnant women over 35 opens a window into a deeper understanding of the physical and psychological challenges of this critical period and paves the way for targeted interventions. This study aimed to make the voices of pregnant women aged 35 and older heard.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

This study was conducted in 2024 at three major hospitals in Tehran. The sample size consisted of 300 pregnant women. The participants were selected from among pregnant women older than 35 years. We utilized the women's outcome instrument for maternal health care instrument, which was developed by the World Health Organization (WHO). Data analysis was performed using SPSS (Version 22).

RESULTS

The participants, with a mean age of 38.37 ± 2.61 years, were included in the study. Most had more than a high school education (65%). 36.7% reported sexual dissatisfaction. The overall rate of anxiety was 28.9%, while 25% showed symptoms of depression. Additionally, 3.6% had experienced violence, 3.3% of participants had a history of substance abuse or smoked cigarettes, and 2.3% reported impaired functioning. Furthermore, 38.5% reported a medical condition or other health problem.

CONCLUSION

Considering the results of the study and the problems of pregnant women in the field of maternal complications in pregnant women over 35 years of age, it seems that policymakers should make the necessary revisions in the policies and laws of the youth population to meet the needs of physical health, care facilities, and improve social support and counseling specific to pregnant women and the necessary training for spouses.