Exploring Health-Seeking Behaviors in Iranian Women with High-Risk Pregnancy: A Qualitative Study

Background: Health-seeking behaviors are essential for preventing pregnancy complications andimproving maternal and fetal health outcomes. In high-risk pregnancies, these behaviors constitutea complex process influenced by various individual, cultural, and socioeconomic factors. This studyaimed to explore the health-seeking behaviors of Iranian women experiencing high-risk pregnancy.Methods: This qualitative study was conducted from August 2024 to March 2025 in Ahvaz, Iran.Using purposive sampling with maximum variation, 24 participants (18 women with high-riskpregnancies and 6 healthcare providers) were interviewed. Data were collected using in-depth, semistructuredinterviews and continued until data saturation was achieved. The data were analyzed usingconventional qualitative content analysis based on the Elo and Kyngäs framework. MAXQDA softwareversion 20 was used for data organization and management.Results: The data analysis identified three main categories and seven subcategories. The categoriesincluded proactive health-seeking behaviors (health monitoring and care, and lifestyle-relatedbehaviors), reactive health-seeking behaviors (therapeutic and care reactions, information-seekingreactions, and psychological reactions for stress management), and avoidant behaviors (avoidance ofseeking help and medical services and avoidance of social interaction).Conclusion: Women with high-risk pregnancies exhibit diverse health-seeking behaviors. Acomprehensive understanding of these patterns enables healthcare providers and intervention programdesigners to deliver targeted education and support, thereby reducing avoidant behaviors, promotingproactive actions, and ultimately improving maternal and fetal health outcomes.