Self-efficacy beliefs and fear of childbirth in nulliparous women. (2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Salomonsson, Birgitta; Gullberg, Mats T.; Alehagen, Siw; Wijma, Klaas
• Is Part Of: Journal of psychosomatic obstetrics & gynaecology. Volume 34:Number 3(2013:Sep.)
• Page Start: 116
• Page End: 121
• Publication Date: 2013
• Subjects: Gynecology -- Periodicals; Medicine, Psychosomatic -- Periodicals; Obstetrics -- Periodicals; 616.08
• DOI: 10.3109/0167482X.2013.824418
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0167-482X

Abstract

<abstract> <title>Abstract</title> <p> <italic>Objective</italic>: To explore how childbirth self-efficacy, i.e. outcome expectancy and efficacy expectancy, was associated with fear of childbirth (FOC) and how efficacy expectancy and FOC, respectively were related to socio-demographic characteristics, mental problems and preference for a caesarean section.</p> <p> <italic>Methods</italic>: In this cross-sectional study, a consecutive sample of 1000 pregnant nulliparous women was sent the Wijma Delivery Expectancy Questionnaire and Childbirth Self-Efficacy Inventory. Statistical analyses were performed on data from 423 women.</p> <p> <italic>Results</italic>: Outcome expectancy and efficacy expectancy correlated significantly and positively, FOC correlated significantly and negatively with both outcome expectancy and efficacy expectancy. Women with severe FOC (20.8%) had a significantly lower level of education (<italic>p</italic> = 0.001), and had more often sought help because of mental problems (<italic>p</italic> = 0.004). They were more likely to have low-efficacy expectancy (<italic>p</italic> < 0.001) and to prefer a caesarean section instead of a vaginal birth (<italic>p</italic> < 0.001).</p> <p> <italic>Conclusions</italic>: Lower efficacy expectancy was associated with higher FOC while preference for a caesarean section was not. Improvement of self-efficacy could be a part of care for women with FOC during pregnancy; however, it would not be enough for fearful women who wish to have a caesarean section.</p> </abstract>