Effects of needs-based education for prenatal anxiety in advanced multiparas: a randomized controlled trial

Background: Prenatal anxiety is a common concern which may have adverse effects on maternal and infant health outcomes. Studies addressing needs-based education interventions for prenatal anxiety are limited.

Aim: To explore the effects of needs-based education on alleviating prenatal anxiety among advanced multiparas when compared with routine prenatal health education.

Methods: A total of 86 advanced multiparas were randomized into the intervention group (n = 43) or the control group (n = 43) in this study. The control group received routine prenatal care. The intervention group received five needs-based education programs presented by trained researchers. The Pregnancy-related Anxiety Questionnaire was used to evaluate changes in anxiety level of participants. Concurrent physiological parameters, including blood pressure, heart rate and non-stress test were also measured.

Results: Scores on the Pregnancy-related Anxiety Questionnaire of the intervention group were significantly lower than those of the control group (t = 4.21, P < 0.05). Systolic blood pressure (t = 3.64, P < 0.05) and heart rate (t = 2.39, P < 0.05) of the intervention group were also significantly lower than the control group whereas no differences were noted in diastolic blood pressure and non-stress test.

Conclusion: A needs-based education program is an effective intervention strategy to allay prenatal anxiety in advanced multiparas.

Trial registration: The trial was retrospectively registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry as number ChiCTR2100047552 .