Changes in Dyadic Coping and Health Behaviors Across Pregnancy in Gestational Hypertension: A Three-Wave Dyadic...

Based on the Actor-Partner Interdependence Model, this study longitudinally explores the dynamic interactions between dyadic coping and health behaviors among patients with gestational hypertension and their spouses, providing a basis for promoting health behaviors in both partners.

Using the convenience sampling method, 260 cases of patients with gestational hypertension were selected. Dyadic Coping Inventory (DCI) and the Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile (HPLP) were used to conduct investigations at 20-21⁺⁶ weeks of gestation (T1), 28 weeks of gestation (T2), and 36 weeks of gestation (T3).

The actor effects of dyadic coping between patients with gestational hypertension and their spouses on health behaviors were significant. That is, the dyadic coping of both patients (T1→T2: β = 0.11, T2→T3: β = 0.10, all p < 0.01) and spouses (T1→T2: β = 0.09, T2→T3: β = 0.08, all p < 0.01) could be positively and prospectively associated with their own health behaviors at the next time point. The actor effects of health behaviors of patients and spouses on dyadic coping were also significant. Specifically, the health behaviors of both patients (T1→T2: β = 0.14, T2→T3: β = 0.11, all p < 0.001) and spouses (T1→T2: β = 0.12, P < 0.001; T2→T3: β = 0.10, p < 0.01) could be positively and prospectively associated with their own dyadic coping at the next time point. Furthermore, significant partner effects of health behaviors were found: the health behaviors of both patients (T1→T2: β = 0.13, T2→T3: β = 0.12, all p < 0.001) and spouses (T1→T2: β = 0.09, T2→T3: β = 0.07, all p < 0.01) could be positively and prospectively associated with the other's health behaviors at the next time point.

Dyadic coping and health behaviors interact between patients with gestational hypertension and their spouses.