Effect of Benson Relaxation Technique on Anxiety Among Women with High-Risk Pregnancies in a Tertiary Care Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of the Benson Relaxation Technique in reducing anxiety among Women with high-risk pregnancies.

Study Design: A pre-post quasi-experimental study
Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of Services Hospital, Lahore, in collaboration with the Department of Nursing and Behavioral Sciences, University of Health Sciences, Lahore during April 2024 to December 2024.

Methods: A total of 40 Women with high-risk pregnancies were recruited and underwent Benson Relaxation Technique sessions for three consecutive days. Anxiety levels were assessed before and after the intervention using the Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAM-A). Data were analyzed using paired sample t-tests for normally distributed data and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test for non-normally distributed data. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: Anxiety, pre-intervention results showed that 3 (7.5%) Women had no anxiety, 7 (17.5%) had mild anxiety, 12 (30%) had moderate anxiety, and 18 (45%) experienced severe anxiety. Post-intervention, 21 (52.5%) had no
anxiety, 16 (40%) had mild anxiety, and only 3 (7.5%) had moderate anxiety, demonstrating a substantial improvement.

Conclusion: The findings indicate that the Benson Relaxation Technique is an effective non-pharmacological intervention for reducing anxiety among Women with high-risk pregnancies. Its integration into prenatal care
programs could improve maternal mental health and overall pregnancy outcomes.