Satisfaction with Childbirth Services Among Ultra-Orthodox and Non-religious Mothers in Israeli Hospitals: A Comparative Study

Abstract

Introduction: A mother's satisfaction with her childbirth experience affects her sense of being a mother in the first few postpartum months. Therefore, the labor services provided by hospitals have an important role and have been the topic of numerous studies. Israel enjoys a particularly high birth rate (twice as high as in other OECD countries), with over 99% of deliveries taking place in public hospitals, making it a good case study for examining satisfaction with childbirth services. In addition, Israel has at least two distinct populations – ultra orthodox and non-religious – allowing us to examine possible differences in how the experience of hospital childbirth is perceived in different communities. The current study examines the differences, if any, between Ultra-Orthodox Jewish Mothers (UOJM) and Non-Religious Jewish Mothers (NRJM) in their satisfaction with hospital childbirth services. Aim: The study focuses on the differences between the factors that influence NRJM's and UOJM’s satisfaction with childbirth services Procedure: This is a comparative study based on a sample of 232 non-religious and 161 ultra-orthodox mothers who have given birth in a public hospital in Israel. Eighteen items defining childbirth satisfaction were rated on a 5-point Likert Scale. The items have been grouped together into three dimensions: The Personal Care dimension includes the interaction of the service provider (midwife or healthcare provider) with the mother, their professionalism, empathy, attitude, responsiveness, etc.; the Surrounding Atmosphere dimension contains items related to the delivery room like its hygiene or aesthetics; and the Technical Methods dimension, which relates to the emergency and alternative care equipment. Results: The study shows that in both sectors, satisfaction was significantly influenced by the dimensions of Personal Care and Technical Methods; however, the Surrounding Atmosphere dimension influenced only ultra-orthodox mothers. Conclusions: The results emphasize the importance of personal interaction with the patient, as well as the presence of appropriate technical methods in the delivery room. When a mother is satisfied with these two dimensions, she is more likely be to be satisfied with her overall birth care. Hospitals should therefore focus on the personal interaction of the staff with the mother, as well as on being service oriented and providing high quality and professional obstetric care. They should also emphasize the cleanliness of the delivery room and its general atmosphere, especially when the patient is from the ultra-orthodox community.