A psychosocial intervention for prenatal anxiety decreases functional disability among pregnant Pakistani women: A moderated mediation approach using data from a randomized controlled trial.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Given that anxiety is associated with functional disability, we investigated whether an intervention designed to reduce prenatal anxiety could improve functional disability in the postpartum period. We also examined whether perceived social support in the third trimester mediated this relationship, and if the extent of the mediation differed by economic empowerment.

Methods

We included 590 pregnant Pakistani women with at least mild anxiety symptoms to a randomized controlled trial (RCT). Women in the intervention arm received six sessions of a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy-based psychosocial intervention for prenatal anxiety. Relaxation techniques (e.g., breathing exercises and meditation) and enhancement of social support were also included in the therapy. The co

SUBMITTER: Park S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11948597 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature