Women's perceptions of medicalised pregnancy and childbirth: an exploratory sequential mixed-method protocol study

The present study aimed to develop and assess psychometric properties of an instrument to measure the perception of women regarding the medicalisation of pregnancy and childbirth.

This is a sequential exploratory mixed-method protocol study and will be conducted in three phases. In the first phase of the study, the hybrid conceptual model will define and explain the components of medicalisation. The hybrid approach includes a theoretical review (literature review) and a qualitative study. Using the results of the first phase, in the second phase of the study, the primary dimensions and items of the instrument will be developed. In the third phase, the psychometric properties of the designed instrument will be evaluated. Psychometric steps include face validity, content validity and construct validity. The research environment will be Al-Zahra and Taleghani educational centres, as well as health centres of Tabriz city and private offices of midwives and gynaecologists.

Informed consent has been obtained from all subjects. This protocol has been approved by the ethics committee of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences (IR.TBZMED.REC.1403.352). The findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed manuscripts, reports and presentations.