The effects of support interventions on anxiety and depression in women with preterm labor during hospitalization

Abstract

Aim

To examine the effects of support interventions on anxiety, depression in women hospitalized with preterm labour at admission and 2 weeks.

Background

Hospitalized pregnant women with preterm labour have significantly higher anxiety and depression levels. Few studies have explored the effects of support interventions on anxiety, depression in such women.

Methods

A randomized, single-blind experimental design was used. The control group (n = 103) and intervention group (n = 140) were recruited from the maternity wards of one medical centre in northern Taiwan between January 2013 and April 2015. The control group received routine nursing care. The experimental group received support interventions, which included an interview, distraction methods and assistance with daily living needs. Groups were evaluated with the Beck anxiety inventory, Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and at admission and 2 weeks of hospitalization.

Results

There were no significant differences between groups for demographics, obstetric characteristics, or birth outcomes. For the control group, anxiety and depression scores increased significantly decreased 2 weeks after hospitalization. The intervention group had a small, but significant, increase in anxiety and no significant change in depression at 2 weeks. Participants who received 2 weeks of support intervention had significantly lower anxiety and depression scores than the control group.

Conclusions

Providing interventional support could reduce anxiety and depression for women with preterm labour during hospitalization.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.