The Relationship Between Spiritual Well-Being, Stress Level and Serum Cystatin C Level in Preeclampsia

Abstract

Background: Preeclampsia is a major complication of pregnancy characterized by hypertension and organ dysfunction, which can lead to severe maternal and fetal outcomes. Recent studies suggest that psychosocial factors, including spiritual well-being and stress levels, may influence the pathophysiology of preeclampsia. Additionally, Cystatin C, a biomarker of renal function and systemic inflammation, has been proposed as a potential predictor of disease severity. However, the interplay between these factors remains unclear.

Objective: This study aims to analyze the relationship between spiritual well-being, stress levels and serum cystatin C levels in preeclampsia (PE).

Methods: A comprehensive cross-sectional study involved pregnant women aged 20 weeks or greater who were examined at various healthcare facilities from November 2023 to March 2024. The study comprised 44 PE pregnant women and 44 non-PE pregnant women. Spiritual well-being, stress levels, and cystatin C levels were assessed using the Spiritual Well-Being Scale (SWBS), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and ELIAS kit. Statistical analyses employed chi-square, Mann-Whitney U, and multiple logistic regression tests.

Results: The level of spiritual well-being did not associate with preeclampsia (p value > 0.05). Stress levels and serum cystatin C levels associated with preeclampsia (p value < 005). Stress levels increased the risk of preeclampsia by 1.127 times greater than without preeclampsia (95% CI: 1.026-1.239, p=0.017). Serum cystatin C levels increased the risk of preeclampsia by 1.669 times greater than without preeclampsia (95% CI: 1.094-2.545. p=0.013).

Conclusion: High levels of stress and high serum cystatin C levels in mothers increase the incidence of preeclampsia. The present results can be the basis for consideration of examining stress levels and serum cystatin C levels to predict the incidence of preeclampsia in pregnant women.