Health related quality of life of pregnant women and associated factors : an integrative review

Abstract

Objective: The objectives were to characterize the scientific production on Health-Related Quality of Life of pregnant women, identify the areas that are most affected during pregnancy and puerperal period and identify the instruments used to assess quality of life related to health in pregnant women. Methods: For the integrative review, 11 articles published from 2006 to 2013 in the PUBMED, MEDLINE, CINAHL, SCOPUS and SCIELO were selected. Result: Data showed scarce publication from nursing professionals, prevalence of non-experimental studies conducted mainly in Brazil. The most commonly instruments used were the WHOQOL-BREF and SF-12. The presence of pain, nausea and vomiting, depression, low education, younger age and absence of partner negatively affect the quality of life of pregnant women. Practicing physical activity and being socially supported during pregnancy favour a better quality of life. In the domain of social relations, sexuality was the only affected facet. Conclusion: Gaps in the level of evidence considered weak were identified. We suggest bigger role of nurses in research on the subject so that there will be the development of effective interventions to support nursing practice and ensure quality care and consequently improve the quality of life of women in pregnancy and childbirth.