Research Article

The Relationship Between Health Literacy During Pregnancy and Toilet Habits and Urinary Tract Symptoms

Volume: 9 Number: 2 July 1, 2026
TR EN

The Relationship Between Health Literacy During Pregnancy and Toilet Habits and Urinary Tract Symptoms

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between maternal health literacy, toilet behavior habits, and urinary tract symptoms during pregnancy.

Methods: This descriptive and correlational study was conducted with 200 pregnant women. Data were collected using the Personal Information Form, the Toileting Behavior–Women’s Elimination Behaviors Scale, the Maternal Health Literacy Inventory Scale in Pregnancy, and the Bristol Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Index. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation analysis. The potential mediating effect of toilet behavior habits on the relationship between health literacy and the severity of urinary symptoms was examined using Model 4 of the PROCESS macro (v5.0).

Results: The mediation analysis (Hayes PROCESS Model 4) revealed that health literacy during pregnancy was associated with healthier toilet behavior habits (β=−.244, p=.001), and these habits were associated with urinary symptom severity (β=.333, p<.001). Health literacy also independently reduced the severity of urinary symptoms regardless of toilet behavior habits (β=−.144, p=.034). The indirect effect confirmed via bootstrapping (β=−.081, 95% CI [−.036, −.011]) supported the mediating role of toilet behavior habits.

Conclusion: In conclusion, it was determined that health literacy during pregnancy is associated with toilet behavior habits and urinary tract symptoms. These findings highlight the importance of assessing maternal health literacy and promoting healthy toilet behavior habits during antenatal care.

Keywords

Ethical Statement

Ethics Committee of Osmaniye University (Approval No: 2023/7/9, dated 20/10/2023). Additionally, formal permission to conduct the study was obtained from the Chief Physician of the affiliated hospital (Document No: E-77378720-774.99-229455034, dated 16/11/2023). All procedures were conducted in line with the ethical standards outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki.

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Psychosocial Aspects of Childbirth and Perinatal Mental Health

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

July 1, 2026

Submission Date

July 13, 2025

Acceptance Date

June 25, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 9 Number: 2

APA
Keskin Töre, F., Ağralı, C., & Nacar, G. (2026). The Relationship Between Health Literacy During Pregnancy and Toilet Habits and Urinary Tract Symptoms. Journal of Midwifery and Health Sciences, 9(2), 152-161. https://doi.org/10.62425/esbder.1741297
AMA
1.Keskin Töre F, Ağralı C, Nacar G. The Relationship Between Health Literacy During Pregnancy and Toilet Habits and Urinary Tract Symptoms. Journal of Midwifery and Health Sciences. 2026;9(2):152-161. doi:10.62425/esbder.1741297
Chicago
Keskin Töre, Fatma, Cansu Ağralı, and Gülçin Nacar. 2026. “The Relationship Between Health Literacy During Pregnancy and Toilet Habits and Urinary Tract Symptoms”. Journal of Midwifery and Health Sciences 9 (2): 152-61. https://doi.org/10.62425/esbder.1741297.
EndNote
Keskin Töre F, Ağralı C, Nacar G (July 1, 2026) The Relationship Between Health Literacy During Pregnancy and Toilet Habits and Urinary Tract Symptoms. Journal of Midwifery and Health Sciences 9 2 152–161.
IEEE
[1]F. Keskin Töre, C. Ağralı, and G. Nacar, “The Relationship Between Health Literacy During Pregnancy and Toilet Habits and Urinary Tract Symptoms”, Journal of Midwifery and Health Sciences, vol. 9, no. 2, pp. 152–161, July 2026, doi: 10.62425/esbder.1741297.
ISNAD
Keskin Töre, Fatma - Ağralı, Cansu - Nacar, Gülçin. “The Relationship Between Health Literacy During Pregnancy and Toilet Habits and Urinary Tract Symptoms”. Journal of Midwifery and Health Sciences 9/2 (July 1, 2026): 152-161. https://doi.org/10.62425/esbder.1741297.
JAMA
1.Keskin Töre F, Ağralı C, Nacar G. The Relationship Between Health Literacy During Pregnancy and Toilet Habits and Urinary Tract Symptoms. Journal of Midwifery and Health Sciences. 2026;9:152–161.
MLA
Keskin Töre, Fatma, et al. “The Relationship Between Health Literacy During Pregnancy and Toilet Habits and Urinary Tract Symptoms”. Journal of Midwifery and Health Sciences, vol. 9, no. 2, July 2026, pp. 152-61, doi:10.62425/esbder.1741297.
Vancouver
1.Fatma Keskin Töre, Cansu Ağralı, Gülçin Nacar. The Relationship Between Health Literacy During Pregnancy and Toilet Habits and Urinary Tract Symptoms. Journal of Midwifery and Health Sciences. 2026 Jul. 1;9(2):152-61. doi:10.62425/esbder.1741297

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