Effectiveness of Planned Teaching Program on Knowledge and Reducing Anxiety about Labor among Primigravidae in Selected Hospitals of Belgaum, Karnataka

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objectives To assess the knowledge and anxiety level of primigravidae about labor in both experimental and control group, evaluate the effectiveness of the planned teaching program on knowledge and reducing anxiety about labor among primigravidae in the experimental group as compared to the control group. Methods The research approach used for the study was the evaluative approach. The study was conducted using pre-test post-test, control group, a quasi experimental design. The study was conducted on 60 primigravidae (30 experimental and 30 control group) attending antenatal OPD's at KLE's Dr Prabhakar Kore Hospital and MRC, Belgaum using purposive sampling technique. Data was collected by using a structured knowledge questionnaire and standardized Zung self-rating scale. The data was tabulated and analyzed in terms of objectives of the study, using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results The results showed that knowledge score mean difference (MD) in experimental group was 16.8 and in control group it was 0.6. Therefore planned teaching program was effective method to gain knowledge about labor among primigravidae. The anxiety score MD was 37.6 in experimental group and in control group it was 0.16. Hence planned teaching program helped in reducing anxiety about labor and study findings showed that there was positive correlation between knowledge and reducing anxiety in experimental group (rxy = 0.1). Therefore planned teaching program helped to gain knowledge and reduce anxiety about labor in primigravidae. Conclusion Anxiety is common in life. It is more among primigravida mothers during labor and delivery. Mothers experience anxiety during their labor and delivery in hospitalization. Identification of anxiety and stress, helps nurses to plan provide holistic care which helps mothers to have smooth hospitalization and minimizes anxiety. Providing psychological support is one of the most important needs during their labor and delivery on the labor table. The study suggests the need for education, guidance and counseling which are essential for the primigravida mothers when they are under stress and anxiety during pregnancy and labor. It was also found that there is need to improve the awareness and encourage the mothers to participate in anxiety and stress management program to prevent further problems.