The findings are particularly relevant because pregnancy can bring not only physical changes but also fear, uncertainty, and emotional stress. Anxiety may become more pronounced as childbirth approaches, especially when mothers are concerned about the delivery process, their baby's condition, possible complications, or the transition to motherhood.
The researchers conducted their study among 39 pregnant women in the Kairatu Community Health Center working area during June and July 2025. The participants were pregnant women in the second and third trimesters, and all members of the identified population were included in the sample.
Anxiety Before Childbirth Is a Significant Concern
The study emerged from concerns observed among pregnant women in the Kairatu area. Between January and April 2025, 93 pregnant women visited the Kairatu Community Health Center for examinations. During June and July, 39 women in the second and third trimesters were identified across Kairatu Village, Uraur Village, Talaga Ratu Hamlet, Siompo Hamlet, Waisari Hamlet, Kalapa Dua Hamlet, Waralohi Hamlet, and Air Buaya Hamlet.
Initial interviews provided an indication of the problem. Six of seven pregnant women interviewed said they were worried about facing childbirth. The women who reported concerns included those younger than 20 years, those older than 35 years, first-time mothers, and mothers who had experienced pregnancy before.
The article places these findings within a broader maternal-health context. It notes that pregnancy-related anxiety can affect maternal and fetal well-being and may increase the risk of obstetric complications. The authors also emphasize that recognizing psychological risk factors during pregnancy can help healthcare providers identify women who may require additional support.
How the Study Was Conducted
Sukardi, Sabban, and Lombonaung used a quantitative cross-sectional design. Rather than following participants over a long period, the researchers assessed the characteristics and anxiety levels of the 39 pregnant women during the study period.
Anxiety was assessed using a 31-question Perinatal Anxiety Screening Scale questionnaire covering excessive worry and specific fears. Responses were scored according to how frequently participants experienced the symptoms. The researchers then examined the relationship between maternal age, gravidity status, and anxiety levels using statistical correlation analysis.
The participants represented different educational and occupational backgrounds. The largest education group was senior high school graduates, accounting for 35.9 percent of respondents. Housewives represented 76.9 percent of the sample, while civil servants and contract employees made up smaller groups.
More Than Half of Participants Experienced Severe Anxiety
One of the clearest findings was the overall level of anxiety among the women surveyed.
- 21 respondents, or 53.8 percent, experienced severe anxiety.
- 18 respondents, or 46.2 percent, experienced moderate anxiety.
- No respondent was classified as having no anxiety or mild anxiety.
The researchers also found a statistically significant relationship between maternal age and anxiety. Among women classified as being in an at-risk age group, 17 experienced severe anxiety and nine experienced moderate anxiety. Among women in the non-risk age group, four experienced severe anxiety and nine experienced moderate anxiety. The reported significance value was p=0.000.
The study associates greater anxiety vulnerability with mothers younger than 20 and older than 35. According to the authors' interpretation, younger mothers may have less psychological readiness and childbirth experience, while older mothers may have greater concerns about pregnancy and delivery risks.
First-Time Mothers Showed Higher Anxiety
Pregnancy experience was another important factor. The study found that first-time mothers, known as primigravida, tended to experience higher anxiety than women who had previously been pregnant.
Among the 21 primigravida respondents, 17 experienced severe anxiety and four experienced moderate anxiety. Among 18 multigravida respondents, four experienced severe anxiety and 14 experienced moderate anxiety. The reported relationship between gravidity status and anxiety was also statistically significant, with p=0.000.
The authors explain that first-time mothers may face greater uncertainty because they have no previous personal experience with pregnancy and childbirth. Stories about childbirth, uncertainty about what will happen during delivery, and concerns about possible complications can contribute to fear as delivery approaches.
By contrast, mothers who have previously experienced pregnancy and childbirth may have greater familiarity with the process. Previous experience can provide knowledge about physical changes, labor, and preparation for delivery, potentially helping reduce uncertainty.
As Trysna Ayu Sukardi, Fany Sabban, and Ellen Lombonaung of STIKes Maluku Husada explain in their discussion, the relationship between gravidity and anxiety may reflect differences in childbirth experience, uncertainty, fear of delivery, and concerns about complications. The authors also point to family support and previous knowledge as factors that may help mothers feel better prepared.
Why the Findings Matter for Maternal Care
The findings suggest that prenatal services should pay attention not only to physical indicators but also to the emotional condition of pregnant women. Women in potentially higher-risk age groups and first-time mothers may benefit from additional information, counseling, and emotional support as childbirth approaches.
The researchers recommend that pregnant women become more proactive in obtaining reliable information about pregnancy and childbirth. Prenatal classes, regular consultations with midwives or other healthcare professionals, and emotional support from family members are identified as practical measures that may help reduce anxiety before delivery.
For healthcare providers, the findings reinforce the importance of recognizing anxiety as part of maternal care. Early identification of women experiencing substantial fear or worry could allow health workers and families to provide appropriate support before anxiety becomes more difficult to manage.
The authors acknowledge that the study examined only age and gravidity status as factors associated with anxiety. They recommend that future research examine additional variables, including education, family support, previous trauma, and pregnancy-related knowledge, to provide a more comprehensive understanding of maternal anxiety.
Authors
Trysna Ayu Sukardi is the corresponding author and is affiliated with STIKes Maluku Husada.
Fany Sabban is affiliated with STIKes Maluku Husada.
Ellen Lombonaung is affiliated with STIKes Maluku Husada.
The published article does not state the authors' academic degrees or individual fields of expertise. Therefore, those details cannot be independently specified from the source without introducing unsupported information.
Source
Article title: The Relationship Between Maternal Age and Gravidity Status and Anxiety Levels Toward Childbirth Among Pregnant Women in the Working Area of the Kairatu Community Health Center
Authors: Trysna Ayu Sukardi, Fany Sabban, and Ellen Lombonaung
Journal: International Journal of Sustainable Applied Sciences (IJSAS)
Publication: Volume 4, No. 7, 2026, pp. 787–796
DOI: https://doi.org/10.59890/ijsas.v4i7.31
Official journal website: http://ijsasjournal.my.id/index.php/ijsas
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