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Investigating the relationship of family-related factors and anxiety among Singaporean working fathers and mothers during pregnancy
Date Issued
2020
Citation
Koh, Y. Y. W., Yeung, W. J., Chen, L. X., & Tang, So. K. (13-15 May 2020). Investigating the relationship of family-related factors and anxiety among Singaporean working fathers and mothers during pregnancy. 16th Congress of the European Society of Contraception and Reproductive Health, Dublin, Ireland.
Type
Conference Paper
Abstract
Objectives: This study aims to examine the relationships between family-related factors and
anxiety among Singaporean full-time working fathers and mother during the pregnancy
period. Method: Full-time working fathers (N=902) and mothers (N=829) were invited to
complete a survey in the maternity clinic in Singapore during the pregnancy period (Mean
gestational week = 25.36 (fathers) and 25.01 (mothers)). Validated psychological instruments
were used to assess anxiety, family cohesion, family communication and work-family conflict
among the participants. Demographic factors such as age, gestational week, family income and
educational level were also measured. Results: 11.1% (N=98) and 10.1% (N=82) of fathers and
mothers scored above anxiety cut-off during the pregnancy respectively. The average age for
fathers was 32.96 (4.56) and mothers’ mean age was 31.12(3.77). Univariate analyses showed
that higher family communication and family cohesion were protective factors against anxiety
however, higher work-family conflict was correlated with higher anxiety for both fathers and
mothers. Younger working mothers also reported with higher anxiety level. Family income,
educational level and gestational week were not significant predictors for paternal or maternal
anxiety. In the multivariate analyses, the family factors remained strong predictors for anxiety
for both fathers and mothers but not the demographic factors. Conclusions: Good family
communication and family cohesion were found to be protective against paternal and maternal
anxiety during the pregnancy. Psychosocial prevention and intervention should target to enhance
family well-being as a whole during the pregnancy in order to protect couples against anxiety.
Work-family conflict was found to predict higher anxiety level in both working fathers and
mothers. Workplace support regarding pregnancy and childcare should be encouraged. Familyfriendly workplace practices could be beneficial to reduce work-family conflict hence reduce the
risk of anxiety among Singaporean expectant couples.
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