EVALUATION OF ANXIETY AND PERCEIVED STRESS IN MOTHERS UNDERGOING AMNIOCENTESIS

Today, there are several factors which put women at risk of stress and anxiety. Amniocentesis may cause anxiety in pregnant women. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of anxiety and perceived stress in mothers undergoing amniocentesis.
Material & This study is a descriptive research conducted on 95 pregnant women with gestational age from 15 to 20 weeks in Urmia Health & Educational Center in 2016. The samples were selected by convenience sampling. The anxiety level in women undergoing amniocentesis was measured using Spielberger State Anxiety Inventory and perceived stress was estimated through Cohen’s Perceived Stress Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics tests and Pearson correlation test. The value of (p The mean and standard deviation of anxiety score in women undergoing amniocentesis was reported (108.26 ± 20.48) and the mean of perceived stress score was (24.76 ± 7.7). Pearson test indicated that there was a significant relationship between anxiety and perceived stress in mothers (p Amniocentesis is a diagnostic-invasive procedure which causes anxiety in mothers undergoing this test. Therefore, the psychological aspects of this procedure should also be considered and interventional methods such as counseling should be used to reduce stress.