The Effect of Animated Educational Video to Reduce Anxiety Levels Before Outpatient Medical Abortion: A Randomised Controlled Trial

Abstract

Objective: To determine the efficacy of an animated educational video combined with traditional counselling to reduce anxiety levels among pregnant women seeking outpatient medical abortion. Design: Randomised controlled trial with two parallel groups. Setting: Single centre in Bangkok, Thailand. Population or Sample: 60 pregnant women seeking outpatient medical abortion. Methods: Participants received either an animated educational video combined with traditional counselling (n = 30) or traditional counselling alone (n = 30). Main Outcome Measures: Postintervention anxiety levels were assessed by the Spielberger State–Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and satisfaction levels were measured by a 5-point Likert-type scale. Results: There were no significant differences in demographic characteristics between groups. The postintervention STAI scores were significantly lower in the video group compared to the non-video group (32.70 ± 4.96 vs. 41.47 ± 8.57, p < 0.01). The odds of moderate to severe anxiety were significantly lower in the video group (OR 10.29, 95% CI 2.56–41.37). Patient satisfaction levels were similarly high in both groups (4.92 ± 0.27 vs. 4.85 ± 0.36, p = 0.42). Conclusions: Incorporating an animated educational video into traditional counselling effectively reduced anxiety in pregnant women seeking outpatient medical abortion while maintaining high levels of satisfaction with the medical service provided.