Assessment of childbirth preparation classes: a parallel convergent mixed study

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Maternal Health
• Psychology

Background:

• Fear of childbirth is linked to negative birth experiences and increased medical interventions.
• Antenatal education is vital for empowering women, but its impact via Iranian childbirth classes is unclear.
• This study evaluates the effectiveness of childbirth preparation classes on women's perceptions and experiences.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of childbirth preparation classes on women's fear of childbirth and their overall birth experience.
• To determine if the frequency of class attendance influences the outcomes.
• To provide data for improving antenatal education in Iran.

Main Methods:

• Mixed-methods study with quantitative (cohort) and qualitative (interviews) phases.
• 204 primiparous women grouped by attendance: regular (4-8 sessions), irregular (1-3), or none.
• Validated questionnaires (W-DEQ, EPDS, CEQ) and in-depth interviews used for data collection.

Main Results:

• Quantitative analysis using ANOVA and regression will compare fear, anxiety, and satisfaction levels across groups.
• Qualitative content analysis will explore women's perceptions of class impact.
• Results will highlight the correlation between class participation and childbirth experience.

Conclusions:

• Childbirth preparation classes can significantly improve women's childbirth experiences.
• Recommendations for enhancing class content and quality will be developed.
• Findings aim to promote more positive birth journeys for women in Iran.