The impact of a dignity-based program in the operating room on hemodynamic parameters among women undergoing cesarean section: a randomized clinical trial

Fears related to loss of dignity and privacy are potential challenges for women undergoing cesarean section with spinal anesthesia. The anxiety arising from this can affect hemodynamic parameters. This study investigates the impact of a dignity-based program on hemodynamic parameters. This clinical trial was conducted on 80 women who were candidates for elective cesarean section from January 2025 to April 2025. Women in the intervention group received the dignity-based program in the dimensions of autonomy, information, and beneficial interactions in three phases of (peri-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative), in addition to routine care, while women in the control group received only the hospital’s routine program. The primary outcome was heart rate, particularly before spinal anesthesia induction. Data were collected using a Demographic information questionnaire and a checklist for recording hemodynamic parameters, including heart rate, blood pressure, and blood oxygen saturation. These symptoms were examined at five time points. Finally, the data were analyzed using SPSS version 28 software and independent T-test, analysis of variance, and a Repeated Measures Analysis of Variance (RM-ANOVA). Comparing the results of the two groups showed that implementing the dignity-based program in the operating room had a significant effect on improving hemodynamic parameters including heart rate, systolic blood pressure, and blood oxygen saturation. The greatest effectiveness of the intervention was observed on heart rate (ηp² = 0.102). The effectiveness of the intervention on diastolic blood pressure was not statistically significant ( p > 0.05). The findings showed a positive effect of implementing the dignity-based program on improving hemodynamic parameters and improving the physiological status of women candidates for cesarean section. Therefore, implementing a dignity-based program represents a beneficial non-pharmacological and non-invasive approach during cesarean sections and in the operating room. This clinical trial was successfully registered under the Clinical Trials Code with registration number IRCT20241031063552N1 [2024-11-06] and with ethical approval code IR.ABZUMS.REC.1403.194.