Effectiveness of applying problem-solving training on depression in Iranian pregnant women: Randomized clinical trial

Depression during pregnancy is one of the major concerns in mental health, hence using interventional methods for the treatment or reducing the rate of depression is considered a priority for maternal and fetal health. The present study aimed to examine the effectiveness of problem-solving training in reducing depression in pregnant women.

This randomized clinical trial was conducted on seventy pregnant women referring to Prenatal Care Clinics, Najmiyeh hospital in Tehran, Iran. The participants were randomly allocated divided into experimental and control groups. The experimental group was given routine prenatal care training at the clinic along with problem-solving skills training based on the Identify, Define, Explore, Act, Look back model in five sessions, but the control group only received routine prenatal care training. Data were collected using the Beck's Depression Inventory at the beginning of the study and at the immediately and 1 month after two groups. Data were analyzed using descriptive and analytical statistical tests.

In the experimental group, the mean depression score significantly reduced from 16.06 ± 4.73 before intervention to 12.83 ± 4.10 and 13 ± 4.24 after intervention and at follow-up (P < 0.05). While in the control group, the mean depression from 15.34 ± 2.94 before intervention to 14.80 ± 2.76 and 14.86 ± 2.924 after intervention and at follow-up. It was not statistically significant in the control group (P > 0.05).

Problem-solving training can be used as an optional method of reducing depression in pregnant women, and it is recommended that should be implemented by the health-care team.