Self-rated health in Swedish pregnant women: a comprehensive population register study

Background/Aims: Sociodemographic factors are associated with perceived overall health status or ‘self-rated health’. However, research using data from the comprehensive population register in Sweden to examine self-rated health in pregnant women is limited. This study aimed to examine sociodemographic factors associated with self-rated health before, during and after pregnancy in low-risk pregnant women, based on comprehensive population register data in Sweden. 

Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of the Swedish pregnancy register (Graviditets registret). Data from 167523 women were tested with group comparisons and ordinal regression analyses. 

Results: Women between the ages of 25 and 29 years and primiparas were less likely to self-rate their health lower.Women born outside Scandinavia, those whose education did not reach university level, jobseekers, those on parental leave and students were more likely to report lower self-rated health. Women with risky behaviours, such as alcohol consumption and those who smoked and/or snuffed were more likely to report lower self-rated health. 

Conclusions: The findings indicate that preventive and health promoting actions in the midwifery profession should build on awareness of possible associated sociodemographic factors.