A Randomized Controlled Trial of Education Given According to Watson’s Theory of Human Caring on Pregnancy Distress

Background: Prenatal maternal stress is a very common mental health problem among women during their time of pregnancy. The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Watson's Theory of Human Caring-based education in reducing pregnancy distress.

Materials and Methods: This study is single-blind randomized controlled experimental. The study was conducted at Family Health Centers (FHC) in the central district of Manisa. The research was conducted with 128 pregnant women. Pregnancy distress rate after the education based on Watson’s “Theory of Human Caring”. 128 Turkish pregnant women (training group: 64, control group: 64). The research data were collected by using a Pregnant Information Form, Tilburg Pregnancy Distress Scale (TPDS) and Watson Caritas Patient Score (WCPS).

Results: In the research, it was found that the total score average of the TPDS before the training for the pregnant women in the training and control groups was no significant difference between two groups (p>0.05). Comparing training group and control group after training in third trimester; it was determined that the total score average of TPDS was 8.73±7.68 in training group, 21.43±5.99 in control group and a significant difference was obtained in the statistical analysis which was performed to compare the groups (p<0.05). In order to prevent pregnancy-related stress, the risky group must first be determined. Nurses should prepare the pregnant women very well to live this natural process in the healthiest way possible. In addition, pregnant women should be developed their ability to cope with the problems they encounter and ensure that they pass this period comfortably.

Conclusion: It has been determined that the training provided with given according to Watson’s Theory of Human Caring to pregnant women is an effective initiative in decreased the distress of pregnant women.