Satisfaction and use of a spiritually based mantram intervention for childbirth-related fears in couples

Received 22 August 2008; received in revised form 7 June 2009; accepted 16 June 2009. published online 22 September 2009.
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Abstract

This study assessed patient satisfaction with the use of a spiritually based (mantram/sacred word) intervention in expecting couples. A mixed-methods design, experimental repeated measures with interviews at 6-month follow-up was conducted. Satisfaction was moderate to high. Mantram was used for labor pains and uncertainty. Implications include scheduling flexible classes earlier in pregnancy. A larger randomized study is needed to assess intervention effectiveness.

a School of Nursing, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182-4158, USA

b VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA 92161, USA

c Department of Anthropology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182-6040, USA

d Naval School of Health Sciences, San Diego, CA 92134, USA

e OB/GYN Department, Bremerton Naval Hospital, Bremerton, WA 98312, USA

f Maricopa Integrated Health System, Phoenix, AZ 85008, USA

g San Diego, CA 92104, USA

Corresponding author. Tel.: +1 619 594 6384; fax: +1 619 594 2765.

PII: S0897-1897(09)00065-2

doi:10.1016/j.apnr.2009.06.002