The role of art therapy on quality of life of women with recent pregnancy loss: A randomized clinical trial

Abstract

Background Pregnancy loss and mourning can lead to psychological adverse effects on women’s quality of life. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of art therapy on the quality of life of women with pregnancy loss. Methods This study was a randomized clinical trial performed on 60 women who recently experienced abortion or stillbirth. After randomization in two groups (30 in each group), women in the intervention group received four session art therapy. In the control group, routine care was performed. The Perinatal Grief Scale and World Health Organization quality of life questionnaire, short version 26, was used to collect data before and eight weeks after intervention, and the result was compared before and after the intervention in both groups. Results The mean age of participants was 26.5±4.75 years. Eight weeks after the intervention, the mean score of the total quality of life was significantly different between the two groups (348.64±13.12 vs.254.46±58.35; P>0.01). Also, all physical, psychological, social, and environmental dimensions of quality of life improved in the art therapy group compared to the control group (P>0.01). Conclusions Art therapy could improve the quality-of-life following pregnancy loss, and can be recommended as a complementary method next to routine care. Trial registration IRCT20200104046002N1.