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

Abstract

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.