A true experimental study to assess the effectiveness of holistic self-care approach on clinical parameters, psychological stress, wellbeing, among antenatal mothers with pregnancy-induced hypertension admitted in antenatal ward at SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre.

Abstract

Background: Pregnancy-related hypertension diseases are a global concern. Pregnancy-induced hypertensive problems affect 5-8% of pregnant women worldwide. Maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality are primarily caused by pre-eclampsia and eclampsia. Five to seven percent of pregnancies end in pre-eclampsia, which manifests as proteinuria and hypertension.

Materials and methods: A study with a pretest-posttest control group design was conducted among 80 antenatal mothers (40 control and 40 experimental) with pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) at SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre. The intervention included education on dietary changes, walking, leg and foot exercises, awareness of PIH warning signs, and Mitchell's relaxation techniques, administered for 7 consecutive days. Clinical parameters, stress (Perceived Stress Scale), and wellbeing (WEMWBS) were measured before and after the intervention.

Results: In the experimental group, stress scores slightly decreased (39.80 to 39.30; P = 0.096) and wellbeing modestly improved (44.53 to 45.33; P = 0.104). Significant reductions were noted in clinical parameters post intervention. Systolic BP dropped from 126.85 to 117.13 mmHg, and diastolic BP from 81.90 to 73.25 mmHg (P = 0.000). The pulse rate decreased from 90.28 to 75.80 bpm, and the respiratory rate from 21.49 to 19.05 (P = 0.000). This suggests the holistic self-care approach effectively improved clinical outcomes in PIH mothers.

Conclusion: A holistic self-care approach significantly improved clinical parameters and psychological wellbeing in antenatal mothers with PIH, with reduced vital signs and stress levels in the intervention group.