Effect of Group Centering Pregnancy on Empowering Women with Gestational Hypertension

Abstract

The aim of the study is to examine the effect of group centering pregnancy on empowering women with gestational hypertension. Design: randomized controlled trial. Sample: random sample of two hundred primigravida who were between 24-26 weeks gestation, singleton, age ranged between 35- 45 years old, diagnosed with gestational hypertension and on treatment. Tool: Data collection tools included the following; 1) an interview & a follow up assessment questionnaire, 2) pregnancy-related empowerment scale (PRES), and 3) medical records. Procedure: In the group centering pregnancy, there were 10 women in each group formed around their estimated due dates, and the same women met together for each session till delivery. The antenatal schedule visits were 6 sessions, one every two weeks. Results: women in the group centering pregnancy were strongly empowered than women who received the standard follow up antenatal care. There was statistical significant difference between both groups related to the total mean score of PRES of the empowerment categories (t=17.61, p≤0.0001). Conclusion: Group centering pregnancy may hold promise for empowering pregnant women with gestational hypertension.

Key Words: Centering Pregnancy- Empowerment- Gestational Hypertension-RCT