Neuropsychological Changes in Pregnant Women with Preeclampsia/Eclampsia (PE-E): Health Behavior Implications

Abstract

Objectives: Preeclampsia/eclampsia (PE-E) is a significant cause of maternal morbidities and mortalities in many countries. To expand this topic, the prime aim of this study was to examine the linkage of neuropsychological changes with PE-E in pregnant women. In addition, this study also analyzed the impact of numerous health behavior on development of PE-E in pregnant women. Methods: Employing the quantitative methodology, the data was collected from 350 pregnant women from hospitals in Turkey. Results: The findings of study indicate that health behavior associated with negative psychological predictors indicate significant association with risk of PE-E in pregnant women. Accordingly, sadness, anxiety, depression, disgust and distress were found as negative and significant predictor of PE-E. In addition, the health behavior associated with positive psychological predictors like love, joy, happiness and acceptance were found positive predictor as they improved the healthcare behavior and reduced risk of PE-E in pregnant women. Conclusions: Consequently, the study indicated that pregnant women with neuropsychological distress have twice threat of development of PE-E as compared to normal pregnant women. This study has significant implications for health sector and recommends encouraging positive health behavior to avert effect of PE-E on pregnancy and birth outcomes.