Communication skills and anxiety during pregnancy in nulliparous women: A cross-sectional study in an Iranian setting

Physiological and psychological impacts of pregnancy may relate to anxiety symptoms in nulliparous women. An effective communication between couples can have protective effects against anxiety in this period.
The present study intended to assess the relationship between communication skills and the anxiety during pregnancy in nulliparous women.
This study adhered to a descriptive cross-sectional design. In this study, 100 nulliparous women of 18 to 40 years old were selected through a two-stage cluster sampling in Health Centers of Sari, Iran (2014-2015). We used the Spielberger's questionnaire to measure pregnancy anxiety and Queendom's questionnaire to assess couples' communication skills. Statistical-descriptive methods and Pearson correlation coefficient were used to analyze the data.
The mean age of the women participating in the study was 27.15±4.69. The results showed that there was a negative significant correlation between communication skills and state (r=-0.45, p<0.01) and trait anxiety (r=-0.51, p<0.01). However, there was no significant relationship between one of the subscales of communication skills (assertiveness) and state and trait anxiety.
This study indicated a negative correlation between communication skills and pregnancy anxiety. Strong communication skills could diminish pregnancy anxiety and eventually lead to higher psychological health.