a b s t r a c tObjective: To determine the prevalence of pregnancy-specific anxiety (PSA) and its associated factors among pregnant women during the three trimesters of pregnancy. Design: A prospective explorative survey was conducted among 500 low-risk Indian pregnant women of age 18-35 years. Setting: A major maternity government hospital in southern state of Kerala, India. Participants: 500 low risk pregnant women who attended the major maternity government hospital during the period June 2004-July 2005 were selected as convenient sample. Methods: An exploratory research design with a prospective cohort approach was adopted for the study. State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and Pregnancy-Specific Anxiety Inventory (PSAI) were used to collect the data. Results: Highest prevalence of pregnancy-specific anxiety (PSA) was reported during the third trimester of pregnancy. All pregnant women rated high levels of third trimester childbirth anxiety compared to other three components of pregnancy-specific anxiety. Nulliparous pregnant women reported higher levels of PSA than parous pregnant women (M = 134.40, M = 116.8). Young age, nulliparous status and nuclear family nature were identified as common risk factors of pregnancy-specific anxiety. Conclusion: During the transition to motherhood, the risk factors and timing of heightened pregnancy-specific anxiety differ. Higher prevalence of pregnancy anxiety among nulliparous and younger pregnant women necessitates an integrated routine screening of PSA during prenatal care. Early detection, prevention and management of pregnancy anxiety will enable women to cope with the challenges of pregnancy.

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The study recommends using these findings to plan self-efficacy and self-care behaviour to improve glycemic control among adults with T2DM.

Background:The Arab adult with T2DM is understudied with less known facts about the perception of empowerment and its relationship with self-care and glycemic control.Purpose:The purpose of this study was to determine the extent to which perception of empowerment by Arab adults living with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) was associated with better glycemic control and self-care management.Methods:A cross-sectional descriptive study was led among 300 Arab adults living in Oman with T2DM in an outpatient diabetes clinic. The Diabetes Empowerment Scale (DES), glycosylated haemaglobin (HbA1c) and Body mass index was assessed. The DES was found to be valid and reliable for the population. ANOVA, Regression analysis, and Structural equation modeling was used for analysis.Results:The composite score and three subscales of DES were a significant and strong predictor of good glycemic control among Omani adults with T2DM (p<0.001). Age, education, duration of DM, prior DM education program and medications were significantly associated with DES.Conclusion:Diabetes nurse educators engaged in the care of adults with T2DM should assess self-empowerment and tailor interventions to increase empowerment for better glycemic control. Patient empowerment plays an essential role in maintaining self-care behaviours and HbA1c.

Targeting type 2 diabetes people with low level of education, low income and overweight may help to enhance their foot care and reduce foot complications in similar populations, Implications. Those most at risk of foot problems should be targeted for education to increase their awareness of ways to prevent and to manage foot problems.