Knowledge of Transitioning into Parenthood and Associated Factors among Pregnant Women attending Antenatal Clinic in State Specialist Hospital, Osun State, Nigeria

Abstract

Objective: The study assessed the level of knowledge and factors influencing the transition to parenthood among pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic at State Specialist Hospital, Osun State.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design was used with a total population of 192 pregnant women attending State Specialist Hospital, Osogbo. Sample size was determined using Taro Yamane's formula with 10% attrition rate; the total sample size was 143. A self-developed structured questionnaire with a reliability index of 0.73 was used for data collection, and the data were analysed using descriptive statistics, including frequency and percentage.

Results: The findings revealed that most respondents were aware of physical and emotional changes associated with pregnancy, with 71.4% indicating awareness of postpartum psychological difficulties, while 57.1% reported that mood swings affect their daily activities. Anxiety and fear of childbirth were observed among 64.3%, and 50% expressed concerns about their ability to adapt effectively to motherhood. Family support was identified as a major coping strategy, with 78.6% indicating its role in reducing stress and improving maternal confidence.

Conclusion: This study shows that pregnant women were aware of the transition into motherhood and associated physical and emotional factors. However, the majority experienced anxiety and mood swings as a result of the transition. Therefore, it is important for healthcare providers, especially nurses, to intensify educating pregnant women on coping strategies to adopt during this phase to reduce morbidity associated with parenthood transition.