Christian LM, Iams J, Porter K, Leblebicioglu B. Self-rated health among pregnant women: associations with objective health indicators, psychological functioning, and serum inflammatory markers.
Ann Behav Med 2014;
46:295-309. [PMID:
23765366 DOI:
10.1007/s12160-013-9521-7]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Biobehavioral correlates of self-rated health in pregnancy are largely unknown.
PURPOSE
The goals of this study were to examine, in pregnant women, associations of self-rated health with (1) demographics, objective health status, health behaviors, and psychological factors, and (2) serum inflammatory markers.
METHODS
In the second trimester of pregnancy, 101 women provided a blood sample, completed measures of psychosocial stress, health status, and health behaviors, and received a comprehensive periodontal examination.
RESULTS
The following independently predicted poorer self-rated health: (1) greater psychological stress, (2) greater objective health diagnoses, (3) higher body mass index, and (4) past smoking (versus never smoking). Poorer self-rated health was associated with higher serum interleukin-1β (p = 0.02) and marginally higher macrophage migration inhibitory factor (p = 0.06). These relationships were not fully accounted for by behavioral/psychological factors.
CONCLUSIONS
This study provides novel data regarding factors influencing subjective ratings of health and the association of self-rated health with serum inflammatory markers in pregnant women.
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