The effect of integrating midwifery counseling with a spiritual content on improving the antenatal quality of life: A randomized controlled trials

Abstract

Background: Poor antenatal Quality of Life (QoL) is associated with adverse outcomes.

Objective: This study was performed to examine the effect of integrating midwifery counseling with spiritual content on improving the antenatal quality of life.

Method: This randomized controlled trial was performed on 60 first-time pregnant women who were referred to two childbirth preparation centers in Zanjan city, Iran in 2019. The counseling was conducted in eight sessions. The QoL SF-36 questionnaire was completed before and two months after the intervention. Data were analyzed using the chi-square test, independent t-test, and paired-samples t-test. The level of significance was p<0.05.

Results: After intervention based on an independent t-test the total score of QoL was significantly greater in the intervention group compared to the control group (p=0.001). After the intervention, the mean scores of four domains of QoL (Role-Physical, General Health, Vitality, Role-Emotional, and Mental Health) were significantly higher than the control group(p=0.001). While in terms of Physical Functioning, Bodily Pain and Social Functioning domains were not statistically significant (p>0.05).

Conclusion: Integrating midwifery counseling with spiritual content had a positive impact on improving the psychological aspect of quality of life more than the physical and social aspects. It can be used by providers for planning antenatal care programs.

Keywords: Childbirth; Pregnancy; Quality of life; Spirituality; Women’s Health.