Abstract
This study investigated levels of childbirth fear and related prenatal factors (self-confidence for childbirth, prenatal depression, knowledge about childbirth, and spousal support) among pregnant women in South Korea. A correlational study design was used to explore levels of childbirth fear and related prenatal factors in 200 pregnant women over 28 weeks of gestation. A self-administered questionnaire was used to measure fear of childbirth and related factors, such as self-confidence for childbirth, prenatal depression, knowledge about childbirth, and spousal support. One-third of the pregnant women were aged 35 years and older. Sixty-one percent of women were nulliparae, but only 26.0% had experienced prenatal education. The mean score for fear of childbirth was 66.99 out of 165. The prevalence of fear of childbirth was 72.0%, and childbirth fear was severe in 26.5% of the participants and moderate in 45.5%. Fear of childbirth was negatively related to self-confidence (r=-.45, p<.001), but positively related to prenatal depression (r=.21, p=.002). Two significant predictors were found to explain the fear of childbirth. Higher self-confidence for childbirth was associated with less severe fear of childbirth (β=-.44, p<.001), while higher prenatal depression was associated with more severe fear of childbirth (β=.13, p=.038). The level of fear of childbirth was higher among pregnant women with lower self-confidence and higher prenatal depression. Reasonable evidence should be provided for implementing prenatal and childbirth classes to reduce pregnant women's depression and to increase their confidence.
Highlights
연구 필요성 임신과 분만은 여성 생애주기의 중요한 사건 중 하나로 특히 분만 은 여성에게 여러 신체적 경험뿐 아니라 정서적 스트레스도 동반한 다[1]. 여성들에게 임신과 분만은 기쁨과 성취에서 불안과 공포에 이르기까지 모든 종류의 다차원적 정서적 경험과 감정을 유발하는 데, 일부 임산부들은 신체적 변화와 호르몬의 변화 등에서 오는 부 정적인 감정이 지속적으로 이어져 분만에 대한 두려움을 경험한다 [2]. 분만 두려움(fear of childbirth)은 임부들에게 흔한 감정이지만, 임신 중 불안 장애 또는 심각한 두려움의 형태로 발전할 수 있기 때 문에 심각한 문제이다[3]
What this paper adds This study demonstrated that pregnant women with lower self-confidence and higher prenatal depression had more severe fear of childbirth
평가한 결과, 우울감이 낮은 임부는 133명(66.5%), 10점 이상으로 우울 위험이 있는 임부는 67명(33.5%)으로 나타났다. 분만에 대한 지식은 13점에서 22점의 분포를 보이며, 평균 13.22±1.55점으로 중간 이상 수준이었다. 배우자 지지는 최소 7점에서 최대 24점이었 고, 평균은 20.96±3.06점으로 높은 수준이었다(Table 2)
Summary
What is already known about this topic? Pregnancy and delivery cause multidimensional emotional experiences and emotions, from joy and a sense of accomplishment to anxiety and fear. Fear of childbirth is common among pregnant women, but poses a serious problem because it can develop into a form of anxiety disorder or severe fear during pregnancy. What this paper adds This study demonstrated that pregnant women with lower self-confidence and higher prenatal depression had more severe fear of childbirth. Implications for practice, education, and/or policy Pregnant women’s fear of childbirth should be reduced before childbirth. A tailored intervention for prenatal and childbirth classes is necessary to reduce pregnant women’s prenatal depression and to increase their self-confidence for childbirth
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