The relationship between support systems and anxiety in couples admitted to the emergency department with vaginal bleeding

Abstract

Introduction: First-trimester vaginal bleeding largely occurs due to miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, gestational trophoblastic diseases. Pregnant women diagnosed with threatened abortion experience and their spouses severe anxiety and stress due to the probability of the pregnancy ending. Couples having difficulty coping with the see motions need support systems. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between the anxiety levels experienced by couples who present at the emergency department with a complaint of vaginal bleeding and are diagnosed with threatened abortion, as well as their support systems. Methods: The study was conducted with 276 participants (138 pregnant women and their spouses) admitted to the obstetrics emergency department of an obstetrics and paediatrics hospital in Turkey between December 2014 and March 2015. Data were collected through a demographic information form developed by the researcher, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). Results: There were significant negative associations between mean the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory scores and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support scores of the pregnant women and their spouses (p < 0.05). The couples' anxiety levels did not significantly differ according to whether they received support from each other and from emergency nurses (p > 0.05). Conclusion: It was found that both state and trait anxiety levels of the couples decreased as perceived social support increased. However, it was determined that the support couples received from each other and from emergency nurses was not sufficient in terms of reducing anxiety.