A randomized controlled trial on the effect of lifestyle education for Iranian women and their husbands on post-partum anxiety and depression.

This randomized controlled trial was conducted on 189 pregnant women to determine the effect of lifestyle-based training for women and their husbands on post-partum anxiety (PPA) and depression (PPD). Follow-ups were continued up for 6 weeks after childbirth. Participants were allocated to three groups using block randomization. In the first intervention group, both the women and their husbands, and in the second intervention group only the women received the lifestyle-based education. In the control group, women received only routine care. Participants completed the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory pre-intervention and 6 weeks after childbirth. When compared with the control group, significant reductions in PPD (adjusted difference: -5.5), state anxiety (-13.6) and trait anxiety (-12.6) scores were observed in the lifestyle education-dyad group, and also significant reductions in PPD (-3.2), state anxiety (-5.8) and trait anxiety (-4.9) scores were observed in the lifestyle education-women only group. Also, significant reductions were observed in PPD (-2.2), state anxiety (-7.8) and trait anxiety (-7.7) scores in the lifestyle education-dyad group compared with the lifestyle education-women only group. Results showed the positive effect of lifestyle training on PPD and PPA, especially if the training is given to the parental dyad.

The Effect of Life Style Based Education on the Fathers' Anxiety and Depression During Pregnancy and Postpartum Periods: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Due to the harmful effects of prenatal and postnatal anxiety and depression on fathers, the aim of this study was to determine the impact of lifestyle-based training on paternal depression and anxiety (primary outcomes) during the prenatal and postnatal periods. This single-blind randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on 126 spouses of pregnant women with gestational ages of 24-28 weeks. They were followed up until 6 weeks after childbirth. Using the block randomization method and stratified based on the number of children, the eligible samples were divided into two groups (one receiving two weekly group lifestyle-based training session (lasting 60-90 min) and a control group). Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and Spielberger's State-Trait Anxiety Inventory were filled out by the participants before the intervention, 8 weeks after it, and 6 weeks after childbirth. The general linear model was used to analyze data. Out of 126 fathers, one individual from the intervention group left the study because he was not willing to cooperate. Compared with the control group, there was a significant decrease in depression (adjusted difference: -1.6; 95% CI -2.8 to -0.5), state anxiety (-5.7; -8.6 to -2.9) and trait anxiety (-5.0; -7.8 to -2.2) scores at 8 weeks after intervention as well as postnatal depression (-3.3; -5.0 to -1.5); postnatal state anxiety (-7.5; -11.6 to -3.4), and postnatal trait anxiety (-8.3; -12.2 to -4.4) in the intervention group. The research results indicated the positive impact of training on prenatal and postnatal depression and anxiety in fathers. Given the easy implementation of training interventions during pregnancy, it is suggested that such interventions be paid more attention.

The effect of lifestyle-based education to women and their husbands on the anxiety and depression during pregnancy: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of lifestyle-based education to women and their husbands on anxiety and depression during pregnancy. METHOD: This controlled trial was conducted on 189 pregnant women. Participants were allocated into three groups through block randomization. In the first intervention group, both women and their husbands, and in the second one, only women received the lifestyle-based education. In the control group, women received only the routine care. Edinburgh depression and Spielberger anxiety questionnaires were completed at baseline and 8 weeks after it. RESULTS: Compared to the control group, significant reductions were observed in the scores of depression (adjusted difference: -4.7; 95% CI: -5.9 to -3.4), state anxiety (-8.1; -11.3 to -4.9) and trait anxiety (-8.3; -11.9 to -5.0) in the first intervention group, and in the scores of depression (-2.9; -4.1 to -1.6), state anxiety (-4.3; -7.5 to -1.1) and trait anxiety (-5.5; 95% CI: -8.7 to -2.3) in the second intervention group. Comparing the two intervention groups, mean scores of depression and state anxiety were significantly lower in the first group. CONCLUSION: Results suggested the positive effect of lifestyle education to women and their husbands on depression and anxiety during pregnancy.