Holistik Jurnal Kesehatan
Vol. 20 No. 7 (2026): Volume 20 Nomor 7

Psychosocial factors associated with maternal anxiety and cortisol concentrations during late pregnancy

Kenik Sri Wahyuni (Fakultas Kesehatan Masyarakat, Universitas Diponegoro)
Apoina Kartini (Fakultas Kesehatan Masyarakat, Universitas Diponegoro)
Muhamad Zen Rahfiludin (Fakultas Kesehatan Masyarakat, Universitas Diponegoro)
Siti Fatimah Pradigdo (Fakultas Kesehatan Masyarakat, Universitas Diponegoro)



Article Info

Publish Date
30 Sep 2026

Abstract

Background: Maternal anxiety during the third trimester is an important psychosocial concern and may be associated with physiological stress responses. Purpose: To analyze the associations of psychosocial determinants with maternal anxiety and cortisol concentrations among third-trimester pregnant women. Method: A quantitative observational analytic study was conducted among 120 third-trimester pregnant women in Sleman Regency, Yogyakarta, Indonesia, in 2025. Maternal knowledge, pregnancy perceptions, family support, and healthcare provider support were assessed using questionnaires. Anxiety was measured using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-State (STAI-S), while salivary cortisol was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Bivariate analysis and multiple linear regression were performed. Results: Knowledge, perceptions, family support, and healthcare provider support were significantly associated with lower maternal anxiety (p<0.001). In multivariable analysis, knowledge (β=-0.192; p=0.026), perceptions (β=-0.251; p=0.002), family support (β=-0.387; p<0.001), and healthcare provider support (β=-0.176; p=0.030) independently predicted anxiety (R²=0.48). The same psychosocial factors were associated with lower cortisol concentrations. Maternal anxiety was positively correlated with cortisol concentrations (r=0.512; p<0.001) and was the strongest predictor of cortisol (β=0.391; p<0.001; R²=0.55). Conclusion: Better psychosocial conditions, particularly stronger family support, were associated with lower maternal anxiety and cortisol concentrations. Integrating psychosocial assessment, anxiety screening, maternal education, and family involvement may strengthen comprehensive antenatal care.   Keywords: Antenatal Care; Cortisol; Family Support; Maternal Anxiety; Pregnancy; Psychosocial Determinants; Third Trimester.  

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Journal Info

Abbrev

hjk

Publisher

Subject

Health Professions Nursing Public Health

Description

Berisi kumpulan karya ilmiah dari peneliti diberbagai perguruan tinggi di Indonesia, di bidang ilmu kesehatan khususnya bidang ilmu keperawatan yang berdasarkan kepada kebutuhan pasien secara total meliputi: kebutuhan fisik, emosi, sosial, ekonomi dan spiritual. Adapun penelitiannya mencakup 4 aspek ...