Research Proposal on Anxiety Level Experienced By Primigravidas Mother Regarding Labor And Newborn Care

1.0  Title

The proposed title of the study is Anxiety Level Experienced By Primigravidas Mother Regarding Labor And Newborn Care. This paper will present the different approaches, methods and instruments which will be used in order implement the study in the future in successful manner.

2.0  Background of the Study

Primigravida or gravida 1 is a woman who is pregnant for the first time or has been pregnant one time. It is important to take note that anxiety and stress are common during and after pregnancy. Different changes in the brain during pregnancy, which include the changes and alteration in a specific neurotransmitter and neurohormone systems – explains some vulnerability to anxiety during and after pregnancy of first-timer mothers (Altemus et al. 2004). Ironically, even though, some of the changes which happen during pregnancy, likely increased oxytocin and prolactin, may contribute to supression of the stress response (Altemus and Brogan, 2004). These hormones can have calming effects and can decrease the reactive of the brain towards stress. However, despite of those possible protective impact, still, large number of women are still complaining anxiety during pregnancy and after birth (Wiegartz and Gyoerkoe, 2009).

 

3.0  Objectives of the Study

The main aim of the study is to analyze the anxiety level that is experienced by primigravidas mother about labor and newborn care. In line with this, the following are the specific aims of the study:

·         To present the common concerns of primigravidas mother about labor and newborn care;

·         To analyze how the lack of knowledge and training affect the perceptions of primigravidas mother about labor and newborn care; and

·         To identify different activities or strategies which can be implemented in order to prevent this anxiety.

4.0  Methodology

The research study to be used in the proposed study will be descriptive method. According to Creswell (1994) it intends to present facts about the nature and status of a situation as it exists at the time of the study. In addition, it also concerns with the relationships and practices that exist, beliefs and processes that are ongoing, effects that are being felt or trends that are developing (Best 1970). Therefore, it can be helpful in order to describe the current conditions and situations based on the impressions and perceptions of the respondents of the study (Creswell 1994).

4.1  Data Collection

Surveys will be implemented in the study. Surveys are the most common form of research method for collection of primary data (Commonwealth of Learning, 2000). One of its purpose is to describe, e.g., to count the frequency of some event or to assess the distribution of some variables such as proportion of the population of different age groups, sex, religion, castes and languages, knowledge, attitude and adaption of practices about particular issues, and other information of similar nature about the population (Commonwealth of Learning, 2000). Survey questionnaire and interview, and document analysis will be used in order to gather primary data. 

4.2  Sample Frame

The target population for this study are 100 primigravidas mothers. They will be selected via random sampling method. This will help in order to prevent bias from the author. The name of the population will be listed in strips of paper and will be drawn.

The population will be divided into two groups, one with the training background about what to do and expect in labor and post newborn, and the other with none or with minimal background.

4.3  Data Analysis

The data results of the study will be analyzed by determining their corresponding frequency, percentage and weighted mean. The following statistical formulas will be used:

1.     Percentage – to determine the magnitude of the responses to the questionnaire.

            n

% = -------- x 100         ;           n – number of responses

            N                                 N – total number of respondents

2.     Weighted Mean

            f₁x₁ + f₂x₂ + f₃x₃ + f₄x₄ + f₅x₅

x = ---------------------------------------------;

                        x_t

where:             f – weight given to each response

                        x – number of responses

                        x_t – total number of responses

In addition, T-test will also be implemented in order to know if the two groups are statistically different from each other. Thus, it can help in order to compare two means of two groups, which whill help to analyze the posttest-only two-group randomized experimental design (Social Research Methods, n.d.). The formula of T-test is:

 

 

 

 

5.0  References

 

Best, J. W. (1970). Research in Education, 2nd Ed. Englewood Cliffs, N.J.: Prentice Hall, Inc.

 

Commonwealth of Learning. (2000). Manual for Educational Media            Researchers: Knowing your Audience. Vancouver, Canada:   Commonwealth Educational Media Centre for Asia (CEMCA).

 

Creswell, J.W. (1994). Research design. Qualitative and quantitative approaches. Thousand Oaks, California: Sage.

 

Social Research Methods. The T-Test. Retrieved 18^th August, 2010, from Social Research Methods.

 

Wiegartz, P. and Gyoerkoe, K. (2009). The pregnancy and postpartum anxiety workbook: Practical skills to help you overcome anxiety, worry, panic attacks, obsessions and compulsions. New Harbinger Publications.