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Directed attention in normal and high-risk pregnancy
1Bronson School of Nursing, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI 49008, USA. mary.stark@wmich.edu
Summary
Women with high-risk pregnancies experience greater difficulties with directed attention compared to those with uncomplicated pregnancies. This impacts cognitive tasks like learning and problem-solving.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Maternal Health
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Directed attention is crucial for daily functioning.
- Pregnancy, particularly high-risk, can impact cognitive processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare directed attention abilities between high-risk and uncomplicated pregnancies.
- To identify specific cognitive challenges in high-risk pregnancies.
Main Methods:
- Descriptive comparative study in a tertiary-care hospital.
- Recruited 67 women in the 3rd trimester with high-risk pregnancies and 57 with uncomplicated pregnancies.
- Assessed directed attention using objective (Digit Span, Trailmaking A/B) and subjective (Attentional Function Index, Mental Effort) measures.
Main Results:
- Women with high-risk pregnancies showed significantly greater difficulty in directed attention across all measures.
- Trailmaking A, Trailmaking B, and Mental Effort in Tasks scores were significantly worse in the high-risk group, even after considering covariates.
Conclusions:
- High-risk pregnancies are associated with impaired directed attention.
- Cognitive activities such as learning, problem-solving, and planning may demand increased effort for women with complicated pregnancies.
