The Impact of mindfulness-based counseling on stress and anxiety before surgery in pregnant women with a history of cesarean section: A Controlled Interventional Study

Abstract Background Stress and anxiety are difficult concepts in the preoperative care of pregnant women with a history of cesarean section and are associated with maternal complications. Objectives This study aimed to determine the impact of mindfulness-based counseling on the stress and anxiety of women with a history of cesarean section. Methods Using convenience sampling, the present study was a quasi-experimental pre-test and post-test design conducted on 134 women with a history of cesarean section. The women were randomly assigned to intervention (mindfulness-based counseling) and control groups. The intervention group received five 45-minute weekly mindfulness-based counseling over five weeks, led by the researcher via WhatsApp. Data were collected using a demographic information and the Spielberger anxiety, and Cohen's perceived stress Questionnaire before and after the intervention, completed by both groups. Data were analyzed using SPSS 22 statistical software. Results The mean latent anxiety scores the beginning and end of the study were(49.85 ± 7.47 vs 62.76 ± 5.14)in the control and (47.65 ± 10.35vs53.35 ± 5.92)in the intervention groups(P ≤ 0.001,MD=-31.41, %95CI:-32.80_-29.97 ,η 2 = 0.93).The mean manifest anxiety scores the beginning and end of the study were (40.10 ± 7.67vs61.65 ± 4.82)in the control and(30.37 ± 3.81vs38.49 ± 6.79),in the intervention groups(P ≤ 0.001,MD=-31.79, %95CI:-34.23_ -29.35,η 2 = 0.92). The mean stress scores the beginning and end of the study were(28.61 ± 6.20vs36.07 ± 4.83) in the control and (21.31 ± 7.67vs 27.85 ± 5.21) in the intervention groups (P ≤ 0.001, MD=-24.14, %95CI: -25.45_ -22.83, η 2 = 0.91). Conclusions Considering the positive impact of mindfulness-based counseling on stress and anxiety, this approach can be used in preoperative care to reduce perceived stress and anxiety. Clinical Trial Registration: Not applicable we were not allowed to register according to the law of our country.