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 .