Factors influencing childbirth self-efficacy and vaginal delivery rates in Chongqing: An observational study

This study aims to investigate the current status of childbirth self-efficacy among pregnant women in Chongqing Municipality, analyze the factors affecting childbirth self-efficacy, and provide relevant measures and evidence to improve childbirth self-efficacy and increase the rate of natural vaginal deliveries among pregnant women. This observational study employed a questionnaire survey method, involving 1142 pregnant women who underwent prenatal examinations at 6 hospitals in Chongqing in February 2023. Participants accessed the "Wen-Juan-Xing" app by scanning a QR code to fill out the questionnaire. Of the 1142 questionnaires distributed, 1086 were returned as valid, yielding a valid rate of 95.10%. The mean score on the Chinese Childbirth Self-Efficacy Inventory was 241.86 ± 60.25, while the mean score on the Perceived Social Support Scale among pregnant women was 67.05 ± 11.84. Planning for vaginal delivery and engaging in recommended prenatal exercises were identified as positive influencing factors for childbirth self-efficacy. Furthermore, a positive correlation was observed between childbirth self-efficacy and social support among pregnant women (P < .05). Engaging in recommending prenatal exercise and increasing social support among pregnant women can enhance their childbirth self-efficacy and promote a higher rate of natural vaginal childbirth.