A Study to Assess the Effectiveness of a Planned Teaching Programme on Knowledge regarding Herbert Benson?s Relaxation Technique for Reducing Stress among Antenatal Mothers in Selected Rural and Urban Areas Using a Quasi-Experimental Research Design

Varsha Tayde, Nikita Dhanorkar

Abstract: Background: Pregnancy is a significant life event often associated with psychological stress. Non-pharmacological interventions such as relaxation techniques can help reduce stress among antenatal mothers. A structured educational approach may improve mothers' knowledge regarding stress reduction methods. Objectives: 1) To assess the effectiveness of a planned teaching programme on knowledge regarding Benson's Relaxation Technique for reducing stress among antenatal mothers in selected rural and urban areas. 2) To assess the existing knowledge of antenatal mothers regarding Benson's Relaxation Technique. 3) To determine the association between post-test knowledge scores and selected demographic variables. Methods: A quantitative research approach with a quasi-experimental pre-test and post-test design was adopted. The study was conducted among 40 antenatal mothers selected using non-probability convenient sampling from selected rural and urban areas. Data were collected using a structured knowledge questionnaire consisting of 30 items. Pre-test knowledge was assessed, followed by implementation of a planned teaching programme on Herbert Benson's Relaxation Technique. Post-test assessment was conducted after the intervention. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including mean, standard deviation, and paired t-test. Results: In the pre-test, 75% of antenatal mothers had good knowledge, 20% had fair knowledge, and 5% had very good knowledge. The mean pre-test score was 14.50 ± 2.48 (48.33%). In the post-test, 55% had excellent knowledge and 45% had very good knowledge. The mean post-test score increased to 24.27 ± 1.89 (80.91%). The calculated paired t-value (20.55) was significantly higher than the tabulated value at 5% level of significance, and the p-value (0.0001) was less than 0.05, indicating a statistically significant improvement in knowledge after the teaching programme. Age and educational status showed significant association with post-test knowledge scores, whereas occupation and duration of marriage did not show significant association. Conclusion: The planned teaching programme was highly effective in improving knowledge regarding Benson's Relaxation Technique for reducing stress among antenatal mothers in selected rural and urban areas. The study supports the implementation of structured health education programmes during antenatal care to promote stress management practices.

Keywords: Antenatal mothers, Benson?s Relaxation Technique, Stress reduction, Planned teaching programme, Knowledge, Quasi-experimental study

How to Cite?: Varsha Tayde, Nikita Dhanorkar, "A Study to Assess the Effectiveness of a Planned Teaching Programme on Knowledge regarding Herbert Benson?s Relaxation Technique for Reducing Stress among Antenatal Mothers in Selected Rural and Urban Areas Using a Quasi-Experimental Research Design", Volume 15 Issue 2, February 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 1129-1132, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR26216235739, DOI: https://dx.dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR26216235739

Download Citation: APA | MLA | BibTeX | EndNote | RefMan