Abstract
BACKGROUND: Nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy (NVP) are common and distressing symptoms that reduce quality of life. Perceived stress is known to worsen NVP by increasing sensitivity to symptoms and disrupting gastrointestinal function. AIM: This study aims to determine how hope-based counseling can help reduce perceived stress and improve the quality of life for pregnant women experiencing these symptoms. METHOD: This study was a randomized controlled trial involving 68 pregnant women experiencing nausea and vomiting from September 2023 to April 2024. Participants who met the eligibility criteria were randomly assigned to either the intervention or control group using a four-block randomization method. The intervention group participated in eight group counseling sessions based on Snyder's hope therapy, while the control group received standard care. Data were collected using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and the Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy Quality of Life (NVP QOL) Questionnaire, both before and four weeks after the counseling sessions. The analysis was conducted using SPSS version 27, employing statistical tests like Chi-square, Fisher's exact test, and independent t-tests, with a significance level set at 0.05. RESULT: The independent t-test results indicated significant differences in perceived stress and quality of life between the intervention and control groups four weeks after the intervention. In the intervention group, the average perceived stress decreased from 30.47 to 23.73, while there was no change in the control group. Additionally, the average quality of life score in the intervention group improved from 116.85 to 51.11, indicating a positive impact, whereas the control group's score decreased from 125.32 to 72.67, showing a smaller reduction compared to the intervention group. IMPLICATION: Hope-based counseling can effectively reduce stress and enhance quality of life in pregnant women with nausea and vomiting, suggesting its integration into prenatal care. This approach offers a valuable, non-pharmacological option for improving maternal health. CONCLUSION: Counseling based on hope therapy was effective in reducing perceived stress and improving the quality of life for pregnant women experiencing nausea and vomiting. Implementing this approach could be a valuable strategy for health policymakers to enhance the quality of life for pregnant women, particularly those dealing with pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was registered at the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials website under the code IRCT20150731023423N22. Registration date 23/07/2023.