Fatma KESKİN TÖRE, Cansu AĞRALI, Gülçin NAÇAR
Ebelik ve Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi - 2026;9(2):152-161
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 (beta =-.244, p=.001), and these habits were associated with urinary symptom severity (beta =.333, p<.001). Health literacy also independently reduced the severity of urinary symptoms regardless of toilet behavior habits (beta =-.144, p=.034). The indirect effect confirmed via bootstrapping (beta =-.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.
