Factors related to fear of childbrith among nulliparous pregnant women

Abstract

Objective: To identify factors associated with fear of childbirth among primigravid women. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 150 first-time pregnant women at University Medical Center Ho Chi Minh City – Branch 2, from March to August 2024. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, which included a childbirth fear scale and variables such as maternal age, education, income, gestational age, participation in antenatal classes, pregnancy-related stress, and social support. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 20.0, with a significance level set at p < 0.05. Descriptive statistics included frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation, while Pearson correlation analysis was used to assess associations between variables and fear of childbirth. Results: The findings showed that four factors were significantly associated with fear of childbirth: gestational age (r = 0.5, p = 0.007), participation in antenatal classes (r = 0.3, p = 0.04), pregnancy-related stress (r = 0.6, p < 0.001), and social support (r = –0.4, p < 0.001). Women with more advanced gestational age, no participation in antenatal classes, higher stress during pregnancy, and lower social support reported greater fear of childbirth. Other factors such as maternal age, education, and income were not significantly associated with fear of childbirth (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Fear of childbirth among primigravid women is influenced by multiple factors, particularly psychosocial ones. Strengthening emotional support, encouraging participation in antenatal classes, and building effective social support networks are essential to help reduce childbirth fear in this population.