Effect of Spirituality-Based Consultation on Coping Patterns with Pregnancy Challenges in Primigravida Women

Background and purpose: Spirituality is considered as one of the factors influencing physical and mental health of individuals. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of spirituality counseling on coping patterns with pregnancy challenges in primigravida women. Materials and methods: In a randomized clinical trial, the coping patterns were assessed in 60 eligible women. The intervention group attended 8 counseling sessions on the basis of spirituality approach, while the control group received routine care. The data were collected using the Revised Prenatal Coping Inventory before and two months after the study. Data analysis was done applying descriptive statistics, Chi-square, independent t-test, and paired t-test. Results: After the intervention, the mean score for total coping patterns and its domains in the intervention group (1.94 ± 0.24) was significantly different from that of the control group (1.81 ± 0.22) (P= 0.03). The difference was not significant before the intervention (P= 0.15). In experimental group, the pre and post intervention mean scores for total coping patterns and its domains were significantly different (1.78 ± 1.30 and 1.94 ± 0.24, respectively) (P= 0.001). The scores in control group did not show any significant changes (1.87 ± 1.20 to 1.81 ± 0. 22) (P= 0.17). But, a significant decrease was seen in the mean score for avoidance (P= 0.02). Conclusion: The study showed that spiritual counseling is an acceptable approach that could improve women's coping patterns with pregnancy challenges and can be used as a basis in designing similar interventions.   (Clinical Trials Registry Number: IRCT20150731023423N12)