Affirmation-Based Information for Stress Reduction in High-Risk Pregnancy

Effect of Affirmation-Based Information on Stress and Intolerance of Uncertainty in High-Risk Pregnant Women Admitted to the Emergency Department: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This study examined whether providing affirmation-based information to high-risk pregnant women admitted to the obstetrics emergency department could reduce stress levels and intolerance of uncertainty. High-risk pregnancy can be emotionally challenging, especially in emergency settings, and supportive communication may help women cope with stress during this period.

In this randomized controlled trial, pregnant women diagnosed with high-risk pregnancy were assigned either to an intervention group that received routine emergency care along with verbal information and positive affirmation statements, or to a control group that received routine emergency care and verbal information only. Stress levels and intolerance of uncertainty were measured before and after the intervention using validated assessment tools.

The findings of this study aim to contribute to evidence-based supportive care practices in obstetric emergency settings and to inform health care professionals about non-pharmacological approaches to improving emotional well-being in high-risk pregnant women.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Women aged 18 years and older
• Gestational age of 32 weeks or above
• Diagnosed with high-risk pregnancy
• Admitted to the obstetrics emergency department
• Volunteered to participate and provided written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Inability to communicate in Turkish
• No diagnosis of high-risk pregnancy