The Effect of Awareness-Based Stress Reduction Training on Preeclampsia and Anxiety

Not Applicable

Not yet recruiting

• Conditions: Preeclampsia Mild to Moderate

• Registration Number: NCT06841367
• Lead Sponsor: Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa

Brief Summary

Preeclampsia is a multisystem disease that occurs during pregnancy and carries risks into the postpartum period. This condition, which threatens maternal and fetal health, requires close monitoring and good care. Pregnant women need to rely on both their previously used coping mechanisms and learn new coping methods to manage the stress associated with high-risk pregnancies. Complementary and integrative therapies are utilized in managing hypertensive disorders and anxiety during pregnancy. Literature reviews show that complementary medicine practices included in current care may be effective in alleviating the symptoms of preeclampsia and reducing anxiety levels. However, the existing scientific studies are not at a sufficient level of evidence, and more advanced studies are needed in this area.

The aim of our thesis study is to examine the effect of mindfulness-based stress reduction training on anxiety levels and physiological parameters in pregnant women diagnosed with preeclampsia.

Detailed Description

Preeclampsia is a condition characterized by hypertension and proteinuria that occurs after the 20th week of pregnancy. The anxiety and fear experienced by pregnant women diagnosed with preeclampsia about their own and their baby's well-being lead to an increase in anxiety levels.

Mindfulness has been defined as the awareness of one's present-moment experience, accompanied by an attitude of kindness, friendliness, and non-judgmental acceptance .

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is a clinical program that provides systematic training in mindfulness meditation as a self-regulation approach to facilitate adjustment to medical conditions, reduce stress, and manage emotions.

In a study conducted to determine the effect of mindfulness training on lowering blood pressure in preeclamptic women, a decrease in systolic and diastolic blood pressure was observed.

A study examining the effects of mindfulness training on maternal anxiety and self-efficacy in relation to childbirth found that anxiety levels decreased in pregnant women, and it was recommended that healthcare providers and pregnant women participate in mindfulness programs to improve pregnancy outcomes and childbirth.

It has been determined that mindfulness-based interventions during pregnancy can be beneficial for outcomes such as anxiety, depression, perceived stress, and mindfulness levels in the perinatal period.

Mindfulness-based training for the psychological health of pregnant women has been reported to significantly reduce perceived stress and depression, while increasing mindfulness and self-efficacy in women.

Mindfulness-based stress reduction training aimed at examining its effects on stress, anxiety, and prenatal attachment in high-risk pregnancies was found to reduce anxiety, increase prenatal attachment, and have no effect on stress levels in pregnant women .

A meta-analysis examining the effects of diet, exercise, yoga, and mindfulness practices during pregnancy to prevent hypertensive disorders found that these lifestyle interventions reduced the incidence of hypertension in pregnancy.

The aim of our thesis study is to examine the effect of mindfulness-based stress reduction training on anxiety levels and physiological parameters in pregnant women diagnosed with preeclampsia.

Study Timeline

• Status Verified: 2025-02
• Study First Submitted: 2025-02-18
• Study First Submitted QC: 2025-02-21
• Last Update Submitted: 2025-02-21
• Study First Posted: 2025-02-24
• Last Update Posted: 2025-02-24
• Study Start: 2025-03-01
• Primary Completion: 2025-05-05
• Study Completion: 2025-07-15

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: NOT_YET_RECRUITING
• Sex: Female
• Target Recruitment: 80

Inclusion Criteria

• Knowing Turkish
• Being literate
• Being over 18
• Being primiparous
• Having a singleton fetus and cephalic presentation
• Being diagnosed with preeclampsia
• Agreeing to participate in the study

Exclusion Criteria

• Having any additional disease other than preeclampsia
• Participant's voluntary withdrawal from the study
• Having a cesarean section for any reason

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
State-Trait Anxiety Inventory	two months	The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory was developed by Spielberger and colleagues to measure state anxiety and trait anxiety. The final value obtained represents the individual's anxiety score. The scores obtained from both scales theoretically range between 20 and 80. A higher score indicates a higher level of anxiety. A lower score indicates a lower level of anxiety.

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
measurement of physiological parameters / fever	two months	Fever will be measured with a thermometer. The unit for the fever parameter is expressed in °C. Fever values below 36.0 °C and above 37.5 °C will be considered abnormal.
measurement of physiological parameters / arterial blood	two months	Arterial blood pressure will be measured with a manual device and a stethoscope. Blood pressure will be expressed in mmHg. Blood pressure values above 140/90 mmHg will be considered high, while values below 140/90 mmHg will be considered normal.
measurement of physiological parameters / heart rate	two months	The heart rate will be measured by counting the brachial artery beats for 60 seconds with the help of a stopwatch. The unit will be expressed as beats per minute (bpm).