THE EFFECT OF SUPPORTIVE COUNSELING ON REDUCING THE ANXIETY OF WOMEN AT RISK OF PRETERM BIRTH

Infant health and its consequences are the main concerns of women at risk of
preterm birth, which can cause maternal anxiety. Some interventions can be effective on reducing the
anxiety. This study was aimed to determine the effect of supportive counseling on the anxiety of women
at risk of preterm birth.
Materials and Methods: This clinical trial study was performed on 88 women (43 in intervention group,
and 45 in control group) at risk of preterm birth. The intervention was inclusive supportive counseling
program, performed after determining the level of maternal anxiety by Spielberger Anxiety
Questionnaire. After intervention, maternal anxiety was determined as well. The data were analyzed by
Fisher's exact test, Mann-Whitney and also by using the SPSS-22 software.
Results: In the intervention group, the findings revealed that supportive counseling decreased
significantly trait and situational anxiety. In the control group, trait anxiety increased briefly, but
situational anxiety reduced. The mean difference between the two groups was significant statistically.
Conclusion: Supportive counseling can significantly reduce maternal anxiety in women at risk of
preterm birth. Therefore, it is recommended that health care personnel take into account supportive
counselling sessions to reduce anxiety and to provide safe labor condition.