Health Promotion Behaviors of Pregnant Couples in the COVID-19 Pandemic: Actor-Partner Interdependence Model

Abstract

Pregnancy during the pandemic may be a stressful life event. This cross-sectional study aimed to identify the actor and partner effects of the fear of COVID-19, depression, posttraumatic growth, and marital adjustment on the health promotion behaviors of pregnant couples during the COVID-19 pandemic in Korea. Data were collected from 123 pregnant couples using a structured questionnaire. The data were analyzed using the Actor-Partner Interdependence Model (APIM). The actor effects of the fear of COVID-19, depression, and posttraumatic growth on the health promotion behaviors of pregnant women and their spouses were significant. Furthermore, both actor and partner effects of husbands’ marital adjustment on health promotion behaviors were significant. When carrying out nursing intervention for the health promotion of pregnant couples, programs aimed at reducing depression and improving posttraumatic growth in pregnant couples should be included. In addition, improving marital adjustment will positively affect the health promotion behaviors of pregnant couples. The findings highlight the important role of healthcare providers in assessing depressive symptoms and fear of COVID-19 in pregnant couples and providing support to promote health behaviors as part of prenatal care.