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Open Access 01-12-2021 | Anxiety | Research article

The effect of counseling on fathers’ stress and anxiety during pregnancy: a randomized controlled clinical trial

Authors: Maryam Mohammadpour, Sakineh Mohammad-Alizadeh Charandabi, Jamileh Malakouti, Mehriar Nadar Mohammadi, Mojgan Mirghafourvand

Published in: BMC Psychiatry | Issue 1/2021

Abstract

Background

Pregnancy is a challenging period for mothers and fathers. This study aimed to investigate the effect of counseling on stress and anxiety levels of fathers.

Methods

This randomized controlled trial was conducted on 102 spouses of pregnant women in Ardabil, Iran. The participants were randomly assigned to intervention and control groups. The intervention group attended four 60-min counseling sessions at weekly intervals. The perceived stress and anxiety questionnaires were completed before and 4 weeks after the intervention.

Results

The mean scores of state anxiety in the intervention group decreased significantly 4 weeks after the intervention compared with the control group (MD: -2.4; 95%CI: − 4.7 to − 0.2; p = 0.030). Four weeks after the intervention, no significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of trait anxiety (p = 0.472) and perceived stress (p = 0.635).

Conclusions

The findings indicate that counseling reduced state anxiety in expectant fathers; therefore, this intervention is recommended to be used to reduce fathers’ anxiety.

Trial registration

IRCT2017042910324N38. Registered 25 June 2017

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Title: The effect of counseling on fathers’ stress and anxiety during pregnancy: a randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Maryam Mohammadpour
Sakineh Mohammad-Alizadeh Charandabi
Jamileh Malakouti
Mehriar Nadar Mohammadi
Mojgan Mirghafourvand
Publication date: 01-12-2021
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keyword: Anxiety
Published in: BMC Psychiatry / Issue 1/2021
Electronic ISSN: 1471-244X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-021-03217-y

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

The effect of counseling on fathers’ stress and anxiety during pregnancy: a randomized controlled clinical trial

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Trial registration

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Trial registration

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