Effectiveness of Counseling in Reducing Pregnancy-related Anxiety among Primigravida Women – A Quasi-experimental Study

Abstract

Background: As a stressful stimulus, pregnancy-related anxiety in mothers can lead to mental and psychological problems in newborns. Identification and early management of such disorders during the antenatal period can prevent further psychological and physiological complications to both mother and offspring. Aim: This study aims to assess the effectiveness of counseling in reducing anxiety among primigravida women. Methods: Quasi-experimental study was carried out among primigravida pregnant women of age >18 years. They were divided into two groups of 50 each. Baseline data were collected. Anxiety-related data were collected using the pregnancy-related anxiety questionnaire. The intervention group was followed up for 8 weeks. Four counseling sessions were given to them for 45 min with a gap of 2 weeks. Results: Both groups were comparable for baseline characteristics and hemoglobin levels. Baseline mean anxiety scores in both groups were similar (P > 0.05). After 8 weeks, the mean anxiety score was significantly (P < 0.05) higher (21.16 ± 4.73) in the control group compared to the intervention group (14.32 ± 3.17). In the intervention group, the mean anxiety decreased significantly (P < 0.05) from 19.5 ± 4.94 at baseline to 14.32 ± 3.17 at the end of 8 weeks. While in the control group, the mean anxiety increased significantly (P < 0.05) from 19.64 ± 5.2 at baseline to 21.16 ± 4.73 at the end of 8 weeks. Conclusion: Counseling was found to be effective in reducing pregnancy-related anxiety in the intervention group. However, it increased significantly in the control group. There is a need to screen primigravida women for anxiety and provide them with counseling and antenatal education sessions.