This study aims to examine the effects of individualized grief support for women experiencing pregnancy loss. The research, which will be conducted at Süleyman Demirel University, is a mixed-method design and includes both phenomenological qualitative analysis and randomized controlled quantitative trials. The sample will include 48 women; those with severe depression will be excluded. Quantitative data will be analyzed using SPSS, and qualitative data will be analyzed using content analysis.
Pregnancy loss is a traumatic experience that leaves deep marks on women's lives. The grieving process that women experience during this period varies according to individual differences. The aim of this study is to examine the effects of individualized grief support for women who have experienced pregnancy loss. By addressing the emotional and psychological challenges women face after pregnancy loss, the study seeks to explore how the most appropriate support and care can be provided. The sample of the study will consist of women who have experienced pregnancy loss at Süleyman Demirel University Research and Training Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. The power analysis of the study was conducted using the GPower 3.1.9.6 (Franz Faul, Universitaet Kiel, Germany) program, and the sample size was calculated as n=24+24=48. Women who obtain a very high score (14+) on the depression subscale of the Depression-Anxiety-Stress Scale will not be included in the study due to pathological findings. This research will be conducted as a mixed-method study incorporating both qualitative and quantitative methods. In the qualitative part of the study, a phenomenological design, which is suitable for the nature of the research, will be used. The quantitative part will be conducted as a randomized controlled trial. Quantitative data are planned to be analyzed using the SPSS (Statistical Program for Social Sciences) 26.0 statistical analysis package. Qualitative data will be analyzed through content analysis using a software program commonly utilized for qualitative research.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
48
Semi-structured interviews will be conducted with women who have experienced pregnancy loss, and their experiences and grieving processes will be examined phenomenologically. In the 3rd, 4th, and 5th interviews, based on the findings obtained from the qualitative data, grief counseling based on the Swanson care model will be provided to the women, and they will be provided with nursing care and grief support.
Suleyman Demirel University
Isparta, Merkez, Turkey (Türkiye)
Personal Information Form (Pre-Test)
This form will be administered to women during the initial interview after they are accepted into the service. It was developed by researchers to determine sociodemographic characteristics such as age, marital status, pregnancy history, and educational background. Women will also undergo pre-tests (PGS and DASS-21) during the initial interview.
Time frame: At baseline (prior to intervention)
Sociodemographic Characteristics Form
This form assesses participants' sociodemographic and obstetric characteristics, including age, marital status, educational level, and pregnancy history. The form is administered by the researcher during the initial interview after participants are accepted into the service.
Time frame: Baseline (pre-intervention)
Perinatal Grief Scale (PGS) Score
The Perinatal Grief Scale (PGS) is a self-report instrument used to assess grief intensity following pregnancy loss. The scale consists of 33 items rated on a 5-point Likert scale ranging from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree). Total scores range from 33 to 165, with higher scores indicating greater levels of perinatal grief.
Time frame: Baseline (pre-intervention)
Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21)
The Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) is a self-report instrument used to assess symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. The scale consists of 21 items rated on a 4-point Likert scale ranging from 0 (did not apply to me at all) to 3 (applied to me very much or most of the time). The scale includes three subscales-Depression, Anxiety, and Stress-each comprising 7 items. Subscale scores are calculated by summing the relevant items and multiplying by two. Higher scores indicate greater symptom severity. Severity Classification: DASS-21 subscale scores are categorized as follows: Severity Level Depression Anxiety Stress Normal 0-4 0-3 0-7 Mild 5-6 4-5 8-9 Moderate 7-10 6-7 10-12 Severe 11-13 8-9 13-16 Extremely Severe ≥14 ≥10 ≥17
Time frame: Baseline (pre-intervention)
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Bereavement Brochure
A bereavement brochure, prepared with the contribution of experts, will be provided to women following pregnancy loss during the initial interview. The brochure contains information about emotional reactions, coping strategies, and available support resources.
Time frame: Immediately post-intervention
Semi-Structured Interview
One week after the initial interview, semi-structured interviews will be conducted with women who have experienced pregnancy loss. In this interview, grief experiences and needs will be examined phenomenologically.
Time frame: 1 week
Swanson-Based Grief Counseling (First Session)
In the third interview, grief counseling will be provided based on findings from qualitative data. The counseling process will be structured using the Swanson Care Model.
Time frame: 3 weeks
Swanson-Based Bereavement Counseling (Second Session)
In the fourth interview, bereavement counseling will again be conducted based on the Swanson Model, tailored to the woman's ongoing needs and responses.
Time frame: 2nd month
Swanson-Based Bereavement Counseling (Third Session) + Post-Test Data Collection
During the fifth interview, bereavement counseling will continue based on the Swanson Model. At this stage, post-test data collection forms (PGS and DASS-21) will also be administered.
Time frame: 3rd month