Prevalence of Antenatal Anxiety and Associated Factors Among Pregnant Women in Jordan: A Multicentre Cross-Sectional Study

J Prim Care Community Health. 2026 Jan-Dec;17:21501319261481324. doi: 10.1177/21501319261481324. Epub 2026 Aug 20.

ABSTRACT

BackgroundAntenatal anxiety affects a substantial proportion of pregnant women worldwide, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Despite associations with preterm birth and low birth weight, antenatal anxiety receives less screening attention than depression, even in Jordan.ObjectiveTo determine the prevalence of antenatal anxiety and associated sociodemographic and obstetric factors among pregnant women in Jordanian maternal and child health centers.MethodsThis cross-sectional, multicentre study included 182 pregnant women recruited from seven maternal and child health centers between June and August 2025 in Amman, Jordan. Pregnant women aged ≥18 years in their second or third trimester who were nulliparous or primiparous and had no pre-existing psychiatric disorders or high-risk pregnancies were included. Antenatal anxiety was assessed using the validated Arabic version of the Stirling Antenatal Anxiety Scale (SAAS). Sociodemographic and obstetric characteristics were collected using a structured questionnaire. Univariate analyses were performed using t-tests and one-way ANOVA, followed by multivariable linear regression to examine factors associated with antenatal anxiety.ResultsAmong 182 participants, 78.0% screened positive for elevated antenatal anxiety (SAAS ≥12). The highest-scoring SAAS item reflected concerns about fetal health, whereas concerns regarding maternal self-worth had the lowest scores. In univariate analysis, women with a history of abortion had significantly higher SAAS scores than those without such a history (22.11 vs. 19.06; p = 0.040). Within the multivariable regression model, abortion history was the only variable that showed a statistically significant independent association with higher SAAS scores after adjustment for the included covariates (B = 4.625, p = 0.007). However, the overall model demonstrated limited explanatory performance. No significant associations were observed for age, education, residence, income, delivery facility, gestational age, parity, stillbirth history, or infertility history.ConclusionAntenatal anxiety was highly prevalent among pregnant women attending Jordanian MCH centers. A history of abortion was the only factor showing an independent statistical association with higher antenatal anxiety scores, suggesting that women with a history of abortion may benefit from closer psychological assessment and support during antenatal care. Longitudinal studies are warranted to clarify its progression and assess culturally tailored interventions.

PMID:42622612 | DOI:10.1177/21501319261481324