Stress from in-laws and its association with the control of reproductive decisions among women of Pakistan

Abstract

Introduction: Reproduction related stress and issues are often overlooked but play pivotal role in healthy couple relationship as well as for the physical and mental health of an individual. Societal matters like these are familiar world wide in the main in developing nations. In our study, we looked into the influence and psychological impact of undue reproductive related pressure from in-laws on women and its association with the maturity level of women in terms of age and delay in first pregnancy. Methodology: This is the cross-sectional observational study. Data was gathered through a self-administered questionnaire after taking consent. Stress levels were characterised by Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). Results: 28.3 % females suffered from low level stress, 45.2% were having moderate level of stress and 26.5 % had high level of stress. High level of stress was found to be more among females of 31-40 years (35.3%) as compared to age group 18-20 years (14%), p vale 0.02. The stress level was noted to be higher with increasing year of delay in conceiving after marriage. Furthermore, insulting and degrading was found to be the most common abuse from in-laws on respective female making up to 60.4 %. Conclusion: Women should be made aware of their reproductive and sexual rights. Knowledge, perspective and behavioural alterations in both men and women are needed for procuring the harmonious bonding of men and women.