Habiba Khanom1 
, Sharmin Hossain2 , Rabiul Islam3 , Liton Baroi4 , Eashmin Akter Rima R5 , Jannatul Ferdoues Mitu6 , Chandra Das7 , Sumaia Afroz8 , Jannatul Ferdowsy9 , Aysha Sultana Luvna10 , Lita Bose11 , Shukla Sarker12 , Alamgir Hossain13
, Sharmin Hossain2 , Rabiul Islam3 , Liton Baroi4 , Eashmin Akter Rima R5 , Jannatul Ferdoues Mitu6 , Chandra Das7 , Sumaia Afroz8 , Jannatul Ferdowsy9 , Aysha Sultana Luvna10 , Lita Bose11 , Shukla Sarker12 , Alamgir Hossain13
1- Department of Nursing Management, Kumudini Nursing College, Mirzapur, Tangail, Bangladesh , orpitakhanom.sumona77@gmail.com
2- Department of Health Promotion and Health Education, Bangladesh University of Health Sciences, Dhaka Bangladesh
3- Division of Public Health, Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, United States; Department of Public Health, Independent University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
4- DNCC Covid-19 Dedicated Hospital, Mohakhali, Dhaka, Bangladesh
5- Upazila Health Complex Zanjira, Shariatpur, Bangladesh
6- Midwifery Education Program, BRAC JPGSPH, BRAC University, Bangladesh
7- Gopalganj Rasel Nursing College, Muksudpur, Gopalgan
8- National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD), Dhaka, Bangladesh
9- Prince Nursing College, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh
10- Army Nursing College, Cumilla, Bangladesh
11- Department of Epidemiology, Prince Nursing College, Savar, Bangladesh
12- Nabojug College, Dhamrai, Dhaka, Bangladesh
13- Bangladesh Critical Care and General Hospital, Lalmatia, Dhaka, Bangladesh
2- Department of Health Promotion and Health Education, Bangladesh University of Health Sciences, Dhaka Bangladesh
3- Division of Public Health, Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, United States; Department of Public Health, Independent University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
4- DNCC Covid-19 Dedicated Hospital, Mohakhali, Dhaka, Bangladesh
5- Upazila Health Complex Zanjira, Shariatpur, Bangladesh
6- Midwifery Education Program, BRAC JPGSPH, BRAC University, Bangladesh
7- Gopalganj Rasel Nursing College, Muksudpur, Gopalgan
8- National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD), Dhaka, Bangladesh
9- Prince Nursing College, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh
10- Army Nursing College, Cumilla, Bangladesh
11- Department of Epidemiology, Prince Nursing College, Savar, Bangladesh
12- Nabojug College, Dhamrai, Dhaka, Bangladesh
13- Bangladesh Critical Care and General Hospital, Lalmatia, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Abstract: (274 Views)
Background: Fear of childbirth (FOC) is a widespread maternal health concern associated with heightened anxiety, increased medical interventions, and negative birth experiences. While prevalent globally, FOC remains underexamined in low-resource settings such as Bangladesh. This study aimed to determine the level of FOC and identify associated factors among pregnant women in Bangladesh.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 262 pregnant women attending antenatal care at Shariatpur Government Upazila Health Complex (December 2023–May 2024). Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and the Melender FOC Scale. Participants were selected using a convenience sampling technique. Fear was categorized as low, moderate, or high. Descriptive analysis, Chi-square tests, ordinal logistic regression, and multivariate logistic regression were performed to identify predictors of FOC using SPSS version 25.
Results: A survey of 262 pregnant women revealed a moderate mean level of fear of childbirth (FOC) (47.45 ± 6.9). Regression analysis identified several significant predictors of higher FOC. The strongest associations were with limited spousal support (AOR = 2.64; 95% CI: 1.38–5.06; p = 0.003) and not attending childbirth classes (AOR = 2.33; 95% CI: 1.21–4.49; p = 0.011). Other significant factors included younger maternal age, lower education (in both the woman and her husband), rural residence, and lower socioeconomic status. These findings underscore the multifactorial nature of FOC, highlighting the need for interventions that address its key social and educational determinants.
Conclusion: FOC is highly prevalent among pregnant women in Bangladesh and is influenced by sociodemographic, obstetric, and psychosocial factors. Routine screening, culturally sensitive prenatal education, improved communication, and partner-inclusive support are recommended to reduce FOC and improve maternal outcomes.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 262 pregnant women attending antenatal care at Shariatpur Government Upazila Health Complex (December 2023–May 2024). Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and the Melender FOC Scale. Participants were selected using a convenience sampling technique. Fear was categorized as low, moderate, or high. Descriptive analysis, Chi-square tests, ordinal logistic regression, and multivariate logistic regression were performed to identify predictors of FOC using SPSS version 25.
Results: A survey of 262 pregnant women revealed a moderate mean level of fear of childbirth (FOC) (47.45 ± 6.9). Regression analysis identified several significant predictors of higher FOC. The strongest associations were with limited spousal support (AOR = 2.64; 95% CI: 1.38–5.06; p = 0.003) and not attending childbirth classes (AOR = 2.33; 95% CI: 1.21–4.49; p = 0.011). Other significant factors included younger maternal age, lower education (in both the woman and her husband), rural residence, and lower socioeconomic status. These findings underscore the multifactorial nature of FOC, highlighting the need for interventions that address its key social and educational determinants.
Conclusion: FOC is highly prevalent among pregnant women in Bangladesh and is influenced by sociodemographic, obstetric, and psychosocial factors. Routine screening, culturally sensitive prenatal education, improved communication, and partner-inclusive support are recommended to reduce FOC and improve maternal outcomes.
Type of study: Original Article |
Subject:
Midwifery
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