Maternal and infant health literacy levels and influencing factors among primiparas

Yang Hong; Ren Li; Huang Ping; Zhu Jiajia; Wu Yujiao; Zhang Ling; Yang Xuemei; Wu Lichang; Cao Lixian

doi:10.11986/j.issn.1673-873X.2025.02.10

Abstract：Objective To investigate the current status of maternal and infant health literacy(MIHL)among primiparas in Chongqing and explore the impact of pregnancy stress and social support on MIHL levels,providing a basis for improving MIHL in this population.Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 452 eligible primiparas from the main ur-ban and suburban areas of Chongqing.Data were collected using paper-based questionnaires:General Information Question-naire,Maternal and Infant Health Literacy Scale,Pregnancy Stress Scale,and Perceived Social Support Scale.Differences in MIHL levels across demographic characteristics were analyzed using a t-test and one-way analysis of variance.Multiple linear regression was employed to identify factors influencing MIHL,including sociodemographic variables,pregnancy stress,and social support.Results The overall MIHL competency rate was 3.98％,with the highest rate in the"basic skills"dimension(10.84％)and the lowest in the"healthy lifestyle and behaviors"dimension(3.10％).The pregnancy stress score was 0.72±0.38(mild stress level),and perceived social support score was 63.62±11.55(high support level).Multiple linear regression identified the following significant predictors of lower MIHL:primipara being unmarried/divorced,education duration less than 9 years,unemployment/homemaker status,lack of preconception checkups,fewer antenatal education class attendances,and high pregnancy stress(P＜0.05).Conclusion MIHL levels among primiparas are suboptimal.Healthcare providers should deliver targeted health education based on individual characteristics(e.g.,marital status,education levels,occupation)and implement interventions to reduce pregnancy stress,thereby effectively raising MIHL levels.