Abstract
Background. Health practice is essential for a successful pregnancy; however, women with unplanned pregnancies often face psychological barriers that frequently disrupt health practices, thereby increasing the likelihood of adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. Accordingly, to identify the impact of psychological-based interventions in this context, the present study was designed and conducted to examine the effect of meaning-centered counseling on health practices of women with unplanned pregnancies.
Methods. This randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted with the participation of 52 women experiencing unplanned pregnancy in Tabriz, Iran, from January to September 2024. Written informed consent was obtained from all participants, and participants with gestational age between 16 and 24 weeks were randomly assigned into two groups (1:1 ratio) using RAS software and blocks of 4 and 6. The participants in the control group received standard prenatal care, while the participants in the intervention group attended five weekly sessions of group meaning-centered therapy (each session lasting 60–90 minutes). Health practices were assessed before and 4 weeks after the intervention using a validated questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26.
Results. Findings indicated no statistically significant differences in demographic characteristics between the intervention and control groups. The results of the ANCOVA test showed that after the intervention, the mean health practice score in the counseling group was significantly higher than in the control group (adjusted mean difference: 33.35; 95% CI: 29.76–36.95; P=0.001).
Conclusion. Meaning-centered therapy can be an effective treatment option for improving health practices among women with unplanned pregnancies. By helping women find meaning in their circumstances, this counseling approach may empower them to actively engage in prenatal care and achieve better health outcomes for themselves and their fetus.
Practical Implications. Identifying effective and appropriate counseling approaches to enhance mental health and health practices in women facing unplanned pregnancy can serve as a valuable strategy for improving pregnancy and childbirth outcomes.