Abstract

The purpose of this descriptive study was to compare self-care behaviors which influence the risk for urinary tract infection in pregnant women of lower and other socioeconomic groups . The Survey of Personal Habits and Behaviors in Pregnant Women (1988) was administered to 57 subjects; however, one survey form was incomplete and was discarded from the data analysis. Data collected included positive and negative self-care behaviors, age, race, marital status, educational level, gestation, prenatal history, and employment. Ages of subjects ranged from 16 to 36 years, and stages of pregnancy ranged from 8 to 39 weeks gestation. All subjects were clients from three private obstetrical practices located in the Golden Triangle area. The null hypothesis stated that there is no significant difference in mean self-care behaviors between pregnant women from lower socioeconomic groups and pregnant women from other socioeconomic groups. The null hypothesis was tested utilizing the two-tailed ^ test at the .05 level of significance. Analysis of data led the researcher to reject the null hypothesis. The researcher concluded pregnant women in lower socioeconomic groups practiced more negative self-care behaviors and fewer positive self-care behaviors placing them at higher risk for urinary tract infection.

Degree

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Department

Graduate Nursing

Degree Date

5-1-1988

Publication Number

27919819

First Advisor

Dr. Mary Patricia Curtis

Second Advisor

Dr. Nancy Hill

Third Advisor

B. J. Landis

Document Type

Thesis

Included in

Nursing Commons

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