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Published on: January 12, 2018
Effect of transformative learning-based antenatal education on childbirth fear, traumatic birth perception, and
Şahika Şimşek Çetinkaya1, Şengül Yaman Sözbir2
1Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Health Sciences, Kastamonu University, Kastamonu, Türkiye.
Background:
Childbirth fear and traumatic birth perceptions negatively affect maternal well-being and labour outcomes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a transformative learning-based antenatal education programme on childbirth fear, traumatic birth perception, and childbirth preparedness in primigravida women.
Methods:
In this parallel-group randomised controlled trial, 54 primigravida women were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 27), receiving a three-session transformative learning-based programme over three weeks, or a control group (n = 27) receiving standard antenatal education. Outcomes were assessed using the W-DEQ A, Traumatic Birth Perception Scale, and the Labour Preparation subscale of the PSES. Data were analysed using MANOVA and mixed-design ANOVAs.
Results:
Significant group ×time interactions were observed for all outcomes. Childbirth fear decreased significantly in the experimental group (63.5 ± 8.1 to 46.3 ± 9.5) compared with the control group (60.3 ± 7.8 to 59.7 ± 8.6; p < .001, ηp2 = .300). Traumatic birth perception also decreased significantly in the experimental group (80.1 ± 6.9 to 70.3 ± 8.1) compared to the control group (82.3 ± 7.3 to 76.1 ± 7.9; p = .001, ηp2 = .193). Furthermore, childbirth preparedness improved significantly in the experimental group (24.0 ± 3.2 to 17.0 ± 2.8) versus the control group (21.0 ± 3.5 to 19.0 ± 3.3; p < .001, ηp2 = .264).
Conclusion:
The transformative learning-based antenatal education programme significantly reduced childbirth fear and traumatic birth perception while enhancing childbirth preparedness among primigravida women compared with standard antenatal education.
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