Clinical Research Directory

The Effect of a Virtual Reality Video Intervention

This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effect of a virtual reality (VR) video intervention on fear of childbirth and anxiety among hospitalized high-risk pregnant women receiving bed rest. High-risk pregnancy and prolonged hospitalization may increase psychological distress, including fear of childbirth and anxiety. Virtual reality has emerged as a non-pharmacological distraction technique that promotes relaxation by immersing individuals in calming virtual environments. Participants in the intervention group will watch a nature-themed VR video with relaxing sounds using a VR headset in addition to routine care, while the control group will receive routine care only. The findings may provide evidence for the use of VR as a supportive nursing intervention to improve the psychological well-being of hospitalized high-risk pregnant women.

Effects of Emotional Freedom Technique and Music Therapy in High-Risk Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a physiological process; however, it is also a dynamic period during which obstetric and medical complications that may threaten maternal and fetal health can occur. In the presence of such complications, pregnancy is defined as a high-risk pregnancy, accounting for approximately 10-20% of all pregnancies. Due to the increased risk of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality, high-risk pregnancies are considered a significant public health issue. Among high-risk pregnancies, premature rupture of membranes (PROM) and particularly preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) are obstetric conditions associated with serious risks for maternal and perinatal outcomes. PPROM is responsible for a substantial proportion of preterm births and is associated with an increased risk of neonatal complications. During the course of PROM and PPROM, the latency period between membrane rupture and delivery constitutes a significant source of uncertainty and psychosocial burden for pregnant women. Factors such as prolonged hospitalization, risk of complications, and fear of fetal loss may lead to increased levels of stress, anxiety, and depression in this population. In the face of intense stress and uncertainty, coping strategies emerge as an important determinant of psychological outcomes. Coping refers to the cognitive and behavioral efforts individuals employ to manage situations perceived as threatening and is generally classified into active and avoidant coping strategies. Avoidant coping strategies have been associated with higher levels of anxiety and depression, whereas adaptive coping strategies are reported to enhance psychological resilience. Maternal psychological status may influence not only the mother's mental health but also fetal well-being. In this context, the non-stress test (NST) is an important tool for evaluating fetal autonomic nervous system function and allows monitoring of the relationship between maternal psychological status and fetal physiological responses. However, findings regarding the relationship between maternal anxiety and depression and NST parameters remain inconsistent. Current clinical management of PROM and PPROM primarily focuses on preventing obstetric complications, while the maternal psychological dimension often remains secondary. Therefore, safe and feasible non-pharmacological interventions during pregnancy have gained increasing attention. Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) and music therapy are among the non-pharmacological interventions shown to be effective in reducing stress, anxiety, and depression during pregnancy. However, no studies have been identified in the literature evaluating the effects of these interventions on maternal psychological status, coping strategies, and fetal well-being in high-risk pregnancy groups such as PROM and PPROM. Therefore, randomized controlled trials are needed to evaluate the effects of EFT and music therapy on maternal psychological status, coping strategies, and fetal well-being in pregnant women diagnosed with PPROM.

UCLA Perinatal Biospecimen Repository

The purpose of this investigator-initiated prospective observational cohort study is to establish the new UCLA Perinatal Biospecimen Repository (Perinatal Repository) for collection, storage, and distribution of the human data and biospecimens of the participants with perinatal pathology. The secure and shared high-quality resource of clinical data and biological specimens (Repository Materials), across pregnancy pathology related to research protocols at the Afshar's Lab will be created. Core variables of interest include clinical characteristics and relevant biological samples. Intention to collect perinatal data is aiding the efficiency and effectiveness of de-identified biorepository for pregnancy-at-risk outcome research. The primary aims of the project are: * To design the Case Report Forms (CRFs) for the clinical and biospecimen data. * To create and update the project-specific policies, agreements, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). * To develop the data management system to assure personal health information de-identification, data integrity, participants welfare, and protocol compliance. * To develop and implement a quality management system for the Repository. * To collect and record in the Repository protocol-related clinical information. * To organize a consistent system to bank high-quality biospecimens while protecting participant-donor safety and privacy. * To establish the policies and procedures for Repository Materials dissemination and research collaboration. * To analyze the scientific results of the Repository creation. The secondary aim of the study is to provide a mechanism to store and share for research purposes the de-identified biospecimen and information about participants at risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes.