ABSTRACT
Background:
Pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) negatively affects the antepartum quality of life, necessitating complementary interventions to improve maternal well-being. This study evaluates the effectiveness of guided imagery therapy in enhancing the quality of life among women with PIH.
Objectives:
To assess the impact of guided imagery therapy on antepartum quality of life in women diagnosed with PIH.
Methods:
A quasi-experimental study was conducted with 60 participants assigned to either a study group (n=30) receiving guided imagery therapy or a control group (n=30) receiving standard care. Quality of life was measured using a validated scale before and after the intervention.
Results:
The study group showed a significant improvement in quality-of-life scores compared to the control group, indicating the positive effect of guided imagery therapy.
Conclusion:
Guided imagery therapy effectively enhances antepartum quality of life in women with PIH, supporting its integration as a complementary intervention in maternal care.
KEYWORDS: Antepartum quality of life, complementary therapy, guided imagery therapy, maternal health, maternal well-being, non-pharmacological intervention, pregnancy-induced hypertension
INTRODUCTION
Pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH), a condition characterized by elevated blood pressure during pregnancy, poses a significant risk to maternal and fetal health.[1] Women with PIH often experience physical discomfort, psychological stress, and reduced quality of life during the antepartum period.[2] This condition requires medical management and supportive interventions to address its multifaceted impact. Guided imagery therapy, a form of mind-body intervention, has shown potential in managing stress, anxiety, and pain in various populations.[3] It involves using mental visualization techniques to promote relaxation and improve emotional well-being. Despite its proven benefits in other health contexts, its application in improving the quality of life for women with PIH remains underexplored.[4]
This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of guided imagery therapy as a complementary approach to improve antepartum quality of life among women diagnosed with PIH. By addressing both physical and psychological aspects, guided imagery therapy may provide a holistic solution to enhance maternal well-being during pregnancy.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A quasi-experimental study was conducted to evaluate the impact of guided imagery therapy on the antepartum quality of life among women with PIH. The study included 60 participants diagnosed with PIH, who were recruited from antenatal clinics using purposive sampling. Participants were randomly assigned to either the study group (n = 30) or the control group (n = 30). The study group received guided imagery therapy, consisting of 10 sessions over 4 weeks, in addition to standard medical care. The therapy involved relaxation exercises and visualization techniques aimed at reducing stress and enhancing emotional well-being. The control group received standard medical care alone. Antepartum quality of life was assessed using a validated quality of life scale for PIH, administered before and after the intervention.
Ethical approval was obtained from the institutional ethics committee, and written informed consent was secured from all participants. Data were analyzed using paired and independent t-tests to assess the changes within and between groups. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05.
RESULTS
The results demonstrated that guided imagery therapy significantly improved antepartum quality of life and psychological well-being among women with pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH). The study group showed a marked increase in quality-of-life scores and a notable reduction in stress and anxiety levels compared to the control group, which exhibited minimal changes. These findings underscore the effectiveness of guided imagery as a complementary intervention for improving maternal health outcomes.
Demographic characteristics of the participants
Table 1 presents the demographic characteristics of the participants. Both the study and control groups were comparable in terms of age, gestational age, and other relevant parameters, ensuring homogeneity between groups.
Table 1.
Demographic characteristics of participants
| Characteristic | Study Group (n=30) | Control Group (n=30) | Total (n=60) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age (Mean±SD) | 28.4±4.2 | 28.6±4.1 | 28.5±4.15 |
| Gestational age (weeks) | 32.5±2.3 | 32.6±2.2 | 32.55±2.25 |
| BMI (Mean±SD) | 25.8±3.1 | 25.9±3.0 | 25.85±3.05 |
| Parity (Primipara/Multipara) | 16/14 | 15/15 | 31/29 |
Effect of guided imagery therapy on antepartum quality of life
Table 2 summarizes the pre- and post-intervention quality-of-life scores. The study group exhibited a significant improvement in quality-of-life scores following guided imagery therapy, while the control group showed no substantial change.
Table 2.
Comparison of quality-of-life scores pre- and post-intervention
| Group | Pre-test mean±SD | Post-test mean±SD | Mean difference | P |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Study group (n=30) | 48.6±6.5 | 72.4±7.1 | 23.8 | <0.001 |
| Control group (n=30) | 49.1±6.8 | 50.2±6.7 | 1.1 | 0.21 |
Changes in psychological well-being
Table 3 highlights changes in psychological well-being scores derived from the Quality of Life Scale. The study group showed a significant reduction in stress and anxiety levels post-intervention.
Table 3.
Changes in psychological well-being scores
| Group | Pre-test mean±SD | Post-test mean±SD | Mean difference | P |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Study group (n=30) | 20.4±3.2 | 10.2±2.8 | 10.2 | <0.001 |
| Control group (n=30) | 20.1±3.1 | 19.6±3.3 | 0.5 | 0.34 |
Impact on physical health domain
Table 4 compares changes in the physical health domain of the Quality of Life Scale. The study group reported significant improvement, whereas the control group showed negligible change.
Table 4.
Changes in physical health domain scores
| Group | Pre-test mean±SD | Post-test mean±SD | Mean difference | P |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Study group (n=30) | 18.7±4.1 | 30.5±4.3 | 11.8 | <0.001 |
| Control group (n=30) | 19.1±3.9 | 19.8±4.0 | 0.7 | 0.42 |
Changes in sleep quality scores
Table 5 presents the changes in sleep quality scores as an essential aspect of antepartum well-being. Guided imagery therapy contributed to a significant improvement in sleep quality among the study group.
Table 5.
Changes in sleep quality scores
| Group | Pre-test mean±SD | Post-test mean±SD | Mean difference | P |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Study group (n=30) | 14.5±3.8 | 25.3±3.7 | 10.8 | <0.001 |
| Control group (n=30) | 14.8±3.9 | 15.2±3.8 | 0.4 | 0.48 |
DISCUSSION
This study highlights the effectiveness of guided imagery therapy in improving antepartum quality of life among women with pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH).[5] Significant improvements were observed in overall quality of life, psychological well-being, physical health, and sleep quality in the study group compared to the control group.[6] These findings underscore the utility of guided imagery therapy as a non-pharmacological intervention to address the multifaceted challenges associated with PIH.[7] Guided imagery therapy promotes relaxation and reduces stress, which are critical for managing the psychological and physical impacts of PIH. The therapy’s positive effect on sleep quality further demonstrates its potential to alleviate common complications associated with PIH, contributing to better maternal health outcomes. These results align with existing evidence supporting the role of mind-body interventions in enhancing well-being among high-risk pregnant populations.[8]
While promising, the findings are limited by the study’s small sample size and single-center design. Future research should explore the long-term benefits of guided imagery therapy and its impact on maternal and neonatal outcomes across diverse populations.
CONCLUSION
Guided imagery therapy significantly improves the quality of life, psychological well-being, physical health, and sleep quality among women with pregnancy-induced hypertension. This study demonstrates its value as a complementary, non-invasive intervention to enhance maternal health during the antepartum period. Integrating guided imagery therapy into routine antenatal care could provide holistic support to women with PIH, improving their overall pregnancy experience. Further studies are needed to validate these findings and assess the broader applicability of this approach.
Conflicts of interest
There are no conflicts of interest.
Funding Statement
Nil.
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