Associations between gender roles and pregnancy symptoms: a cross-sectional

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the association between gender roles and pregnancy symptoms. METHODS: This descriptive study was conducted between October 20, 2024, and January 20, 2025. The study was conducted with 264 pregnant women who met the research criteria, agreed to participate, and applied to the obstetrics and gynecology outpatient clinics of a state hospital in Osmaniye province located in the Mediterranean Region. Data were collected using the Descriptive Information Form, Bem Gender Role Inventory, and Pregnancy Symptom Inventory (PSI). The research data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics 30 software. Statistical analyses included independent samples t-test, one-way ANOVA, one-way variance analysis, Welch test, Bonferroni correction, and Games-Howell method. Pearson correlation analysis was used to assess relationships between the scales, and multiple linear regression analysis was performed. RESULTS: A one-standard-deviation increase in the BEM Gender Role Inventory feminine score was associated with a 0.233 standard deviation increase in the PSI A score, and this relationship was statistically significant (β = 0.233, t = 2.511, p = 0.013). The explanatory power of the model indicated that the independent variables accounted for approximately 9% of the total variance in pregnancy symptom severity (Adj. R²=0.089). Similarly, a one-standard-deviation increase in the BEM Gender Role Inventory feminine score was associated with a 0.298 standard deviation increase in the PSI B score, demonstrating a statistically significant effect (β = 0.298, t = 3.242, p = 0.001). The explanatory power of the model showed that the independent variables explained approximately 10% of the total variance in the impact of pregnancy-related symptom severity on daily activities (Adj. R²=0.103). CONCLUSIONS: The present findings indicate that adherence to feminine gender roles is associated with greater severity of pregnancy symptoms and greater limitations in daily activities among pregnant women.