Volume 17, Issue 2 (8-2026)
JAP 2026, 17(2): 96-105 |
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Ethics code: IR.IUMS.REC.1403.269
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Mansouri K, Khosravi N, Farahmand Rad R, Absalan N. Assessment of Fear of Childbirth and Its Relationship with the Choice of Delivery Method Among Primiparous Women Referred to Shahid Akbar-Abadi Educational and Medical Center in 2023–2024. JAP 2026; 17 (2) :96-105
URL: http://jap.iums.ac.ir/article-1-5833-en.html
URL: http://jap.iums.ac.ir/article-1-5833-en.html
1- School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
2- Pain Research Center, Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran ,n.khosravi991@gmail.com
3- Pain Research Center, Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
2- Pain Research Center, Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran ,
3- Pain Research Center, Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Abstract: (197 Views)
Background:
Fear of childbirth (tokophobia) is a common psychological factor that significantly influences women’s preference for cesarean delivery. The rising rate of elective cesarean sections in Iran, exceeding the World Health Organization’s recommended level, highlights the need to explore psychological contributors such as childbirth fear. This study aimed to determine the intensity of fear of childbirth and its association with the choice of delivery method among primiparous women.
Methods:
This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 340 primiparous women with singleton pregnancies who attended Akbarabadi Educational Hospital between April 2023 and June 2024. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire and the Wijma Delivery Expectancy/Experience Questionnaire, Version A (W-DEQ A). Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 26.
Results: The average fear score was 72.4 ± 18.6, indicating a severe level of fear. Of the total, 69.4% preferred cesarean delivery, while 30.6% chose vaginal delivery. Women who selected cesarean had significantly higher fear scores (75.8 vs. 66.3; p<0.001). Higher education and awareness of painless delivery methods were inversely associated with fear levels (p=0.003 and p=0.002, respectively).
Conclusion:
Fear of childbirth plays a crucial role in determining the mode of delivery among primiparous women. Educational and psychological interventions focusing on reducing childbirth fear and promoting awareness about painless vaginal delivery may effectively decrease unnecessary cesarean sections and improve maternal birth experiences.
Fear of childbirth (tokophobia) is a common psychological factor that significantly influences women’s preference for cesarean delivery. The rising rate of elective cesarean sections in Iran, exceeding the World Health Organization’s recommended level, highlights the need to explore psychological contributors such as childbirth fear. This study aimed to determine the intensity of fear of childbirth and its association with the choice of delivery method among primiparous women.
Methods:
This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 340 primiparous women with singleton pregnancies who attended Akbarabadi Educational Hospital between April 2023 and June 2024. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire and the Wijma Delivery Expectancy/Experience Questionnaire, Version A (W-DEQ A). Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 26.
Results: The average fear score was 72.4 ± 18.6, indicating a severe level of fear. Of the total, 69.4% preferred cesarean delivery, while 30.6% chose vaginal delivery. Women who selected cesarean had significantly higher fear scores (75.8 vs. 66.3; p<0.001). Higher education and awareness of painless delivery methods were inversely associated with fear levels (p=0.003 and p=0.002, respectively).
Conclusion:
Fear of childbirth plays a crucial role in determining the mode of delivery among primiparous women. Educational and psychological interventions focusing on reducing childbirth fear and promoting awareness about painless vaginal delivery may effectively decrease unnecessary cesarean sections and improve maternal birth experiences.
Keywords: Fear of childbirth, Primiparous women, Cesarean section, Vaginal delivery, Painless Delivery, Wijma questionnaire
Type of Study: Original |
Subject:
Gynecologic anesthesia
Received: 2026.07.19 | Accepted: 2026.08.1 | Published: 2026.08.1
Received: 2026.07.19 | Accepted: 2026.08.1 | Published: 2026.08.1
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