The effect of pregnancy training classes based on bandura self-efficacy theory on postpartum depression and anxiety and type of delivery

BACKGROUND: Postpartum depression and anxiety is one of the most common complications that women face and cause many problems for mother, baby, and family. Considering the effect of self-efficacy on women's adaptation to pregnancy and delivery conditions and their mental health during this period, the present study was designed to investigate the effect of pregnancy training classes based on Bandura self-efficacy theory on postpartum depression and anxiety and type of delivery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this clinical trial study, 64 pregnant women were randomly divided into intervention and control groups. Mothers in the intervention group received pregnancy training in eight sessions (each session was 2-hour) from the 20(th) week of pregnancy. The classes were run by a trained midwife and the content of the training was based on Bandura self-efficacy components. The mothers in the control group received routine care. The demographic-reproductive information form, Beck Depression and Spielberger Anxiety Questionnaire were completed by pregnant women of both groups at several times, before the program, 1 week and 1 month after delivery. RESULTS: The results showed that the training program significantly decreased the depression score in 1 week and 1 month after delivery in the intervention group compared to the control group. In addition, this training program decreased the mean score of apparent and hidden anxiety in the intervention group 1 month after delivery, although this decrease was not statistically significant. Furthermore, 80.55% of the intervention group and 58.33% of the control group had vaginal delivery, which were significantly different between the two groups in terms of the type of delivery. CONCLUSION: The findings showed that pregnancy training classes based on Bandura self-efficacy theory decrease depression and anxiety and increases vaginal delivery rate.