Childbirth Fear and Associated Factors in a Sample of Pregnant Iranian Women
Journal Title: Oman Medical Journal - Year 2018, Vol 33, Issue 6
Abstract
Objectives: Fear of childbirth is common during pregnancy and may contribute to several adverse outcomes. We aimed to investigate childbirth fear and associated factors in a sample of pregnant Iranian women. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 525 pregnant women in Sabzevar, Iran from December 2016 to March 2017. The Wijma Delivery Expectancy/Experience Questionnaires (W-DEQ) was used to investigate fear of childbirth. Results: The mean W-DEQ score was 67.6±23.5. Of 525 women, 19.6% and 6.1% experienced moderate (mean W-DEQ score ≥ 85) and severe (mean W-DEQ score ≥ 100) fear of childbirth, respectively. W-DEQ scores were not different in the categories of gestational age, parity, maternal age, educational level, body mass index, and employment status (p > 0.050). The mean score of childbirth fear was significantly higher in multiparas who preferred cesarean in comparison to those who preferred vaginal delivery (p < 0.032). The mean score of childbirth fear was significantly higher in nulliparas with a lower family income compared to those with a higher family income (p < 0.011). In nulliparas, predictors of moderate and severe childbirth fear were women’s description of their present pregnancy (odds ratio (OR) = 2.600; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.323–5.112), and receiving a low level of emotional support from their husband (OR = 4.450; 95% CI: 1.349–14.674), respectively. In multiparas, predictors of childbirth fear were unwanted pregnancy (OR = 2.930; 95% CI: 1.549–3.541), experiencing moderate to severe dyspareunia in the first intercourse (OR = 2.829; 95% CI: 1.479–5.414), having a low level of physical activity (OR = 1.942; 95% CI: 1.014–3.716), and perceived a low level of health (OR = 3.415; 95% CI: 1.172–9.950). Conclusions: We observed a relatively high prevalence of childbirth fear in pregnant women in Iran. Interventions should be implemented in high-risk women considering psychological variables.
Authors and Affiliations
Forough Mortazavi, Jila Agah
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP405941
- DOI 10.5001/omj.2018.91
- Views 72
- Downloads 0
Early Oral Feeding After Surgery for Upper Gastrointestinal Malignancies: A Prospective Cohort Study
Objectives: Poor nutritional status following abdominal surgeries for esophageal and gastric cancers remains a major challenge in postoperative care. Our study aimed to investigate the efficacy of starting early or...
Primary Hypothalamic Lymphoma in an Adult Male: A Case Report and Literature Review
Primary central nervous system lymphoma is a well-known entity. However, the hypothalamus is a rare location, especially in adults. Few cases of secondary lymphomas have been reported. We report a case of primary hypotha...
Pediatric Tuberculosis in a Northeast State of Peninsular Malaysia: Diagnostic Classifications and Determinants
Objectives: We sought to determine the total proportion of pediatric tuberculosis cases, characterize tuberculosis by its anatomical location and pretreatment sputum smear status, and to determine the association of the...
Vaginal Reconstruction for Vaginal Obliteration Secondary to Stevens Johnson Syndrome: A Case Report and Review of Literature
Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) is a rare and acute life-threatening condition which is almost always precipitated by drugs. Genital mucositis in female patients may also be an important cause of long-term morbidity secon...
Ossification of Posterior Longitudinal Ligament of Cervical Spine Among Omani Patients Referred for CT Scan at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Oman
Objectives: We sought to evaluate the proportion of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) of the cervical spine and associated factors among Omani patients. Methods: We reviewed the cervical spine co...