Acceptability, feasibility, and effectiveness of internet-based emotion-focused cognitive behavior therapy with husband participation for Iranian pregnant women with anxiety disorder

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background Anxiety disorders during pregnancy are associated with poor pregnancy outcomes. Internet-based emotion-focused cognitive behavior therapy (IECBT) with husband participation approach is an alternative treatment for treatment of mental disorders in pregnant women. The study aimed to compare the acceptability, feasibility, and effectiveness of IECBT with husband participation. Method In a quasi-experimental study 68 pregnant women diagnosed with anxiety disorders were divided into IECBT with husband participation (n = 34) and IECBT alone (n = 34) and completed the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI-18) Client Satisfaction Questionnaire (CSQ-8) and System usability scale (SUS) at baseline and eight weeks after the trial. Findings Results showed that acceptability and feasibility of CO-IECBT among women and their spouses were positive. Acceptability with indices, namely women’s satisfaction and average participation in sessions, was greater among IECBT with husband participation participants than among participants in IECBT alone. Feasibility was high for both therapy methods, and no significant difference was observed between the two groups. Conclusion This study suggests that both IECBT with husband participation and IECBT alone are effective treatments for mitigating psychological distress in anxious pregnant women.