Effect of Antenatal Nursing Interventions on Knowledge, Attitudes and Coping Strategies of Pregnant Women who Detected Fetal Anomalies regarding Congenital Anomalies

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Maternal and Neonatal Health Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing, Beni- Suef University, Egypt

2 Psychiatric Nursing and Mental Health, Faculty of Nursing, PortSaid University

3 Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Beni- Suef University

4 Maternal and Newborn Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Beni-Suef University

Abstract

Background: Congenital anomalies represent a public health concern and the leading cause of
mortality in developed and developing countries. Approximately 50% of all congenital anomalies
cannot be linked to a specific cause. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of antenatal nursing
interventions on knowledge, attitudes, and coping strategies of pregnant women who detected fetal
anomalies regarding congenital anomalies. Subjects and Methods: Design: A quasi-experimental
design was utilized in this study. Setting: This study was conducted at the antenatal clinic at Beni
Suef University Hospital. Sample: A total of 75 pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic and
detected fetal anomalies. Four tools were used for data collection: (1) A structured interviewing
questionnaire, (2) Assessment of pregnant women knowledge about the congenital anomalies, (3)
Attitude scale this tool evaluating attitudes of pregnant women towards how detected fetal
congenital anomalies, and (4) Parental Coping Strategies Inventory (PCSI). Results: The mean age
of the participating women were 25.9±5.4 years. After the program, the participating women's
knowledge of congenital anomalies regarding types, risk factors, and prevention have raised
(p < 0.05), and the attitudes towards having a child with anomaly were improved, chances of
rehabilitation from 0.40±0.49 to 0.77±0.42, and leading a normal life from 0.64±0.48 to 0.89±0.31
(p < 0.05). A statistically significant improvement was found between the knowledge, attitude, and
the Coping Strategies Inventory of the studied pregnant women as pre/ immediate post one month of
antenatal nursing intervention (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Implementation of antenatal nursing
intervention for pregnant women regarding congenital anomalies had a positive effect on improving
their knowledge and attitude. Recommendations: Healthcare providers should encourage mothers
to use coping strategies that are likely to be more effective. Further studies should focus on the
quality of life and the coping strategies used by women with children who have congenital
anomalies. 

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