Perception of childbirth self-efficacy and effecting factors

ABSTRACT Aim: Childbirth self-efficacy is useful measure to determine not only cope with birth but also maternal well-being and a wide variety of improved perinatal outcomes. The present study aims to determine the factors affecting childbirth self-efficacy in pregnant women. Methods: The design of study was descriptive. The sample consisted 380 pregnant women between ages of 18 and 45 who were in the period of 24th and 40th gestational week. Data were collected face to face interviews using Childbirth Self Efficacy Scale Short Form(CBSEI-32) in Gynaecology and Obstetrics Clinic of Akdeniz University Hospital between November 2019 and February 2020. Statistical analyses were conducted such as one factor variance analysis, and T test for independent groups group and simple linear regression. Results: The mean score of CBSEI-32 was 244.279±45.121. There was a significant relationship between childbirth self-efficacy level and some variables of women such as education, and economic level (p=0.001). Pregnant women who got antenatal education had higher score than women who hasn't got antenatal education for Outcome Expectancy subscale and Efficacy Expectancy subscale. Pregnant women who dissatisfied with earlier birth experience got lower score for Outcome Expectancy subscale. Conclusion: The present study showed that variables of women providing empowerment for women such as education, economic level are related with high level childbirth self-efficacy. Antenatal education provides confidence about their ability to act behavior and belief of behavior will lead to desired result. Negative birth experience was presented significant factor for low level belief which belief of behavior will lead to desired result. Therefore, nursing interventions which provide antenatal education and promoting positive normal birth should be conducted during antenatal caring process. Key Words: Childbirth self efficacy, birth, nursing care