Effect of Implementing Continuous Care Model on Health-Related Behaviors and Quality of Life among Women with Preeclampsia

Abstract

Background: Preeclampsia is the leading cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality worldwide, but it is more prevalent in developing countries. Aim was to investigate the effect of implementing continuous care model on health-related behaviors and quality of life among women with preeclampsia. Design: A quasi-experimental research design was utilized. Setting: The study was conducted at the Obstetrics and Gynecology Outpatient Clinic of Benha University Hospital. Sample: A purposive sample of 70 pregnant women diagnosed with preeclampsia was recruited and divided equally into study and control groups (35 women per group). Tools: Three tools were used to collect data; a structured interviewing questionnaire, health-related behaviors regarding preeclampsia questionnaire, and World Health Organization quality of life-BREF. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between mean scores of health-related behaviors regarding preeclampsia and quality of life before implementation of the continuous care model in both groups (P ˃ 0.05). After implementing the continuous care model, the mean scores of health-related behaviors and quality of life in the study group were significantly higher than in the control group (p ≤ 0.001). A significant positive correlation between total scores of health-related behaviors regarding preeclampsia and quality of life in both groups before and after implementation of continuous care model (P ≤ 0.001). Conclusion: Implementing the continuous care model had a positive effect on improving preeclampsia-related health behaviors and the quality of life for women with preeclampsia. Recommendations: The continuous care model should be incorporated as a nursing intervention for promoting women's health behaviors and improving quality of life within preeclampsia care.