Examining the Effect of Weight Self-Stigma on Attitudes Toward Sexuality During Pregnancy Using Structural Equation Modeling

Abstract

Obesity can cause psychiatric, medical, sexuality and relationship problems. Thus, this study aimed to examine the effect of weight self-stigma on attitudes toward sexuality during pregnancy using structural equation modeling. This cross-sectional study and correlational design was conducted and included 328 pregnant women pre-pregnancy body mass index greater than 30 kg/m(2). The data were collected using a socio-demographic information form, the Weight Self-Stigma Questionnaire, and the Attitude Scale toward Sexuality during Pregnancy. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, mean comparison tests, and structural equation modeling. The correlation matrices of all weight self-stigma and attitudes toward sexuality scale scores showed a significant correlation (p<0.05). According to the path coefficient for the effect of weight self-stigma on sexual attitudes, as the pregnant women stigmatized themselves more, their attitudes toward sexuality during pregnancy changed negatively (beta<0). Weight self-stigma leads to negative attitudes toward sexuality during pregnancy in pregnant women. (Afr J Reprod Health 2023;