The Effectiveness of Problem-focused Coping Strategies Training on Quality of Life in Pregnant Women with Genetic Risk of Fetal Abnormalities

Introduction: Abnormalities and genetic disorders in the fetus are one of the most important traumatic events for mothers, which can cause discomfort and stress. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of training based on problem-focused coping strategies on Quality of Life (QOL) in pregnant women with a genetic risk of fetal abnormality. Methods: The current study is an experimental method of field trial type with a pretest-posttest and a control group. After the random selection of 30 pregnant women with genetic risk of fetal abnormalities, a pretest of the quality of life questionnaire was done and they were randomly divided into two groups (experimental and control). Then, the experimental groups during twelve sessions (once a week, for 60 minutes) were trained coping strategies and after completion of training, from both groups, QOL post-test was performed and the descriptive statistical index and covariance analysis test was used to analyze. Results: Results showed that Mothersʹ QOL scores increased significantly in post-test compared to pre-test, and significantly different. After the intervention, there was a significant increase in various dimensions of QOL including Physical Functioning (PF), Role Physical (RP), Bodily Pain (BP), General Health (GH), Vitality (VT), Social Functioning (SF), Role Emotional (RE), and Mental Health (MH). In the intervention group compared to the control (F= 67.48, P < 0.01). Conclusion: It can be concluded that coping strategies training on QOL pregnant women with genetic risk of fetal abnormality are statistically significant in its effectiveness. In addition, it can be deduced that training of problem-focused coping strategies can serve as an effective instructive approach to prevent risks of stress among pregnant women with genetic risk of fetal abnormality.