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

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.