Effects of relaxation on depression levels in women with high-risk pregnancies: a randomised clinical trial.

Wanda Scherrer De Araújo,Eliana Zandonade,Walckiria Garcia Romero,Maria Helena Costa Amorim

doi:10.1590/1518-8345.1249.2806

Wanda Scherrer De Araújo, Eliana Zandonade + Show 2 more

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https://doi.org/10.1590/1518-8345.1249.2806

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Abstract

ABSTRACTObjective: to analyse the effects of relaxation as a nursing intervention on the depression levels of hospitalised women with high-risk pregnancies. Methods:a randomised clinical trial realised in a reference centre for high-risk pregnancies. The sample consisted of 50 women with high-risk pregnancies (25 in the control group and 25 in the intervention group). The Benson relaxation technique was applied to the intervention group for five days. Control variables were collected using a predesigned form, and the signs and symptoms of depression were evaluated using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), version 20.0, was used with a significance level of 5%. The Wilcoxon and paired t-tests were used to evaluate depression levels between two timepoints. Using categorical data, the McNemar test was used to analyse differences in depression severity before and after the intervention. Results: depression levels decreased in the intervention group five days after the relaxation technique was applied (4.5 ± 3, p<0.05) compared with the levels at the first timepoint (10.3±5.9). Conclusion: as a nursing intervention, relaxation was effective in decreasing the symptoms of depression in hospitalised women with high-risk pregnancies.

Highlights

Pregnancy can bring both joy and excitement, but many women experience sadness and anxiety, as pregnancy and the postpartum period involve many physical, hormonal, psychological and social changes that can have a direct impact on mental health[1].women with high-risk pregnancies are vulnerable to emotional changes, as they experience feelings of guilt and/or inadequacy, which can lead to feelings of uneasiness regarding their lives and the lives of their children[2].Depression is currently the most common mental disorder during pregnancy and the postpartum period
Depression levels are higher in high-risk pregnancies, and depression is associated with the following risk factors: a prior history of depression, financial difficulties, unemployment, a low educational level, a lack of social support, substance abuse, stressful events and domestic violence[5]
Most lived with their partner in a stable relationship (96% in the control group and 92% in the intervention group)

Summary

Introduction

Pregnancy can bring both joy and excitement, but many women experience sadness and anxiety, as pregnancy and the postpartum period involve many physical, hormonal, psychological and social changes that can have a direct impact on mental health[1].women with high-risk pregnancies are vulnerable to emotional changes, as they experience feelings of guilt and/or inadequacy, which can lead to feelings of uneasiness regarding their lives and the lives of their children[2].Depression is currently the most common mental disorder during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Depression levels are higher in high-risk pregnancies, and depression is associated with the following risk factors: a prior history of depression, financial difficulties, unemployment, a low educational level, a lack of social support, substance abuse, stressful events and domestic violence[5]. Symptoms of gestational depression have been correlated with other factors, including maternal anxiety, life stress, a prior history of depression, a lack of social support, domestic violence, an unwanted pregnancy and relationship factors[6]. The magnitude of these psychological changes will depend on biological, familial, conjugal, social and cultural factors and on the pregnant woman’s personality[7]

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