Factors predicting self-efficacy during birth in Chinese women: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background/Aims Self-efficacy can promote optimism during childbirth and a better transition from pregnancy to motherhood. This study's aim was to examine maternal childbirth self-efficacy during the latent phase of labour, and identify related predictors, among low-risk Chinese pregnant women. Methods A predictive correlational study was conducted among 122 low-risk pregnant women. Questionnaires were used to collect data on self-efficacy, with standard multiple linear regression analysis applied to determine its predictors. Results The mean score for childbirth self-efficacy was 225 (standard deviation=47.86), which indicated moderate self-efficacy during labour. Professional support (P<0.001), childbirth knowledge (P<0.01) and parity (P<0.05) were significant predictors. Conclusions This study highlighted that professional support, childbirth knowledge and parity can affect childbirth self-efficacy, which could enhance women's coping ability and promote a successful birth. Healthcare professionals could increase maternal self-efficacy through providing enhanced emotional and information support, ensuring that women are given adequate information about the birth process and by providing support for primiparous women during the latent phase of labour.