A randomized controlled trial of the effects of nursing care based on Watson's Theory of Human Caring on distress, self-efficacy and adjustment in infertile women

Abstract

Aims: To investigate the effects of nursing care based on the Theory of Human Caring on distress caused by infertility, perceived self-efficacy and adjustment levels.

Background: Infertility leads to individual, familial and social problems. Nursing care standards for women affected by infertility have yet to emerge.

Design: A randomized controlled trial.

Methods: This study was conducted from May 2010-February 2011, with 105 Turkish women with infertility (intervention group: 52, control group: 53). We collected data using the Infertility Distress Scale, the Turkish-Infertility Self Efficacy Scale Short Form and the Turkish-Fertility Adjustment Scale. The intervention group received nursing care based on the Theory of Human Caring. Data were analysed using t-tests, chi-square tests and intention-to-treat analyses.

Results: The intervention and control groups significantly differed with regard to infertility distress, self-efficacy and adjustment levels. The intervention group's mean self-efficacy score increased by seven points and adjustment score decreased by seven points (in a positive direction). In addition, there was a significant reduction in infertility distress scores in the intervention group, but there was no change in the control group.

Conclusion: Nursing care based on the Theory of Human Caring decreased the negative impact of infertility in women receiving infertility treatment and increased self-efficacy and adjustment.

Keywords: Watson's Theory of Human Caring; adjustment; distress; infertility; nursing care; self-efficacy.