Social Determinants of Health and Health-promoting Lifestyle of Pregnant Women in Hormozgan Province, Southern Iran

In line with of the sustainable development goals, Iran has aimed to reduce maternal mortality in deprived areas. Therefore, there is a need to identify the social determinants of health and lifestyle of pregnant women. In this regard, this study aims to investigate the health-promoting lifestyle and social determinants of health in pregnant women in Hormozgan Province, southern Iran.

This is a cross-sectional study that was conducted on 800 pregnant women in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy referred to the urban and rural health centers in Hormozgan Province during 2010-2015, who were selected using cluster sampling and convenience sampling methods. Data were collected by a researcher-made form surveying demographic/socio-economic information and the health-promoting lifestyle profile (HPLP-II). The statistical analysis was done in SPSS software, version 21 using descriptive statistics, ANOVA, and multiple linear regression analysis.

The overall HPLP-II score of pregnant women was 139.94±22.52 (71.39%), and the lowest score was related to those from the eastern part of the province (138.78±19.73). Regarding lifestyle dimensions, women had the highest score in spiritual health and the lowest score in physical activity and stress management. The regression model showed that having a normal body mass index (BMI) and receiving prenatal care were the strongest predictors of a health-promoting lifestyle in pregnant women. 

The health-promoting lifestyle of pregnant women in Hormozgan Province is lower than the average level. Considering the impact of social determinants of health on the lifestyle of these women, they need to increase their awareness about the importance of having a health-promoting lifestyle before pregnancy. The health of the mother and fetus during pregnancy and after delivery should be considered by public education through the media and by health system officials.