The Effects of Benson's Relaxation via Podcast on Stress Levels and Self-efficacy of Infertile Women Referred to the Infertility Clinic of Amir Al-Momenin Hospital (AS) in Zabol

Abstract

Background and Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of Benson's relaxation method, delivered via podcasts, on stress reduction and the enhancement of self-efficacy in infertile women. Infertility, which affects 60 to 80 million couples annually worldwide, was addressed through a semi-experimental pre-post design study. Methods: A total of 46 participants completed the Persian versions of the Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS-10) and the Infertility Self-efficacy Scale prior to the intervention. Participants practiced Benson's relaxation technique for 15 minutes twice daily over an eight-week period using audio CDs. Data were analyzed using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) with SPSS-27 software to assess the effectiveness of the intervention. Results: The study included 61 participants aged 18 to 40 years (mean age: 28.67 ± 6.498), and evaluated the effects of relaxation exercises on stress and self-efficacy among infertile women. The average duration of infertility was 4.24 ± 3.95 years. Following the intervention, stress levels significantly decreased (P = 0.000), while self-efficacy levels significantly increased (P = 0.000), indicating the effectiveness of the relaxation exercises. However, no significant relationships were found between age, education, or place of residence and changes in stress or self-efficacy levels (P > 0.05). These findings highlight the overall impact of relaxation techniques, regardless of demographic factors. Conclusions: Benson's relaxation method delivered through podcasts appears to be an effective intervention for reducing stress and increasing self-efficacy in infertile women.