title: Predictors of Adherence to Relaxation Guided Imagery During Pregnancy in Women with Preterm Labor.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To examine adherence to relaxation guided imagery in women experiencing preterm labor as well as predictors influencing adherence.
  
  
  METHODS
  This study used a longitudinal follow-up approach. Each of the 57 participating women received a mini-MP3 player containing a 13-minute relaxation guided imagery audio program that they were instructed to follow daily until giving birth. Follow-up interviews were conducted weekly. A generalized estimating equation was used to predict adherence.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The total adherence rate was 58%. Higher adherence was predicted by the presence of at least a college degree (p=0.006), greater perceived stress (p=0.006), a higher risk of preterm delivery (p<0.001), and greater relaxation effects (p=0.028). Older maternal age was associated with lower adherence (p=0.001). In addition, adherence decreased significantly over time (p<0.001). Adherence was not related to marital status, employment, parity, the baseline level of anxiety, or hospitalization.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Pregnant women with a high risk for preterm birth and greater perceived stress showed higher adherence to relaxation guided imagery. For women with a lower adherence to relaxation guided imagery, health care professionals may consider individual preferences regarding relaxation techniques.
authors.affiliation: 1 Department of Nursing, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology , Taoyuan, Taiwan .
authors.forename: Li-Lan
authors.initials: LL
authors.lastname: Chuang
authors.affiliation: 2 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital , Taoyuan, Taiwan .
authors.forename: Shu-Chen
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.affiliation: 3 School of Nursing, Mackay Medical College , New Taipei City, Taiwan .
authors.forename: Yi-Heng
authors.initials: YH
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.affiliation: 4 Institute of Clinical and Community Health Nursing, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan .
authors.forename: Li-Chan
authors.initials: LC
authors.lastname: Lin
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D019018:Imagery, Psychotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D007752:Obstetric Labor, Premature / Q000523:psychology*; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011247:Pregnancy; D012064:Relaxation Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000628:therapy*; D055815:Young Adult