Birth satisfaction among low risk women in a Public Healthcare Center in India

Abstract

Women's satisfaction with the care they receive during childbirth has gained importance in recent years. Factors such as women's stress experienced during labour, anxiety and feeling of being in control during labour have not been widely studied in India even though these factors influence satisfaction with birth. This study aims to assess women's satisfaction with care following normal birth in a secondary level public facility using the Birth satisfaction Scale Revised (BSS R). Consecutive samples of 273 low risk women who have had spontaneous vaginal birth were enrolled within 1 week of childbirth. Demographic profile was collected, and women were assessed for satisfaction at birth using the BSS R. The total birth satisfaction score was 21.4 (±4.5), which is just around the mean of the total score. The women scored below average in the sub domain of stress experiences during labour (7.0 ± 2.6). The domain on women's' personal attributes was also rated poorly (2.8 ± 1.5). The quality of care provision was rated above average by the women (11.6 ± 2.7). A significant difference in the mean score of BSS R was seen in relation to educational status of the women and the type of family they belonged to (P < 0.05). Assessment of birth satisfaction can assist in focusing on areas where improvement in care is required. Midwives need to educate and partner with women right from the antenatal period to make labour and childbirth a satisfying experience for the woman.