Effect of Coping Strategies Education on Pregnant Women's Knowledge and Anxiety with Detected Fetal Anomalies

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Obstetric and Gynecological Department, Faculty of Nursing, Assiut University

2 Obstetrics and Gynecology Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Assuit University, Egypt

3 Obstetrics and Gynecological Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, South Valley University

4 Community Health Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing, Mansoura University

5 Department of Psychiatric Nursing and Mental Health, Faculty of Nursing, Damanhour University, Damanhour Egypt.

6 Maternity, Obstetrics, and Gynecology Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Port Said University

Abstract

Background: The detection of fetal anomalies during pregnancy can affect woman's social,
physical, psychological, and emotional well-being. The study aimed to evaluate the effect of coping
strategies education on pregnant women's knowledge and anxiety with detected fetal anomalies.
Subjects and Methods: Design: A quasi-experimental design was used to achieve the aim of this
study. Setting: This study was conducted at the antenatal clinic at General Qena Hospital and
South-Vally University Hospital. Sample: A total of 100 pregnant women with a prenatal diagnosis
of fetal anomalies. Four tools were used to collect data: (1) A structured interviewing
questionnaire, (2) Pregnant women's knowledge assessment form, (3) an Anxiety Rating Scale, and
(4) Parental Coping Strategies Inventory (PCSI). Results: The results of the current study revealed
that after the coping strategies education, the pregnant women's knowledge and coping level
regarding fetal anomalies improved and their anxiety reduced (p < 0.05). A statistically significant
improvement was found between the knowledge, coping level and anxiety-reducing among the
pregnant women as pre/ post one month of coping strategies education (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The
study concluded that implementation of coping strategies education for pregnant women regarding
fetal anomalies had a statistically significant positive effect on improving their knowledge, coping
level and reducing their anxiety. Recommendations: Coping strategies education should be
included in pregnant women's educational and counseling programs.

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