The Relationship Between Perceived Social Support in Pregnancy and Self-Efficacy for Childbirth Fear - A Cross-Sectional Study in Arak City, 2017

Abstract

Background:

It seems that with perceived social support, self-efficacy for childbirth fear can be strengthened in pregnant women. The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between perceived social support in pregnancy and self-efficacy for childbirth fear in Arak.

Methods:

This cross-sectional study was conducted on 180 pregnant women. Sampling was done on convenience and health centers were selected randomly. After receiving written consent, the standard questionnaire of perceived social support and the self-efficacy for childbirth fear was given to pregnant women. The questionnaires were collected immediately after completion. After collecting the data, the information was entered into the spss18 software and the Pearson test was used for data analysis.

Results:

The mean score of self-efficacy for childbirth fear, and perceived social support were 34.55±8.183, 23.93±11.047 respectively. Also, there was no correlation between self-efficacy for childbirth fear and family, friends, and others perceived social support (p >0.05).

Conclusion:

From the results it seems that the subjective evaluation of the individual from her supporters during pregnancy is not effective on self-efficacy for childbirth fear which is subjective as well. Therefore, health providers should involve directly the husband and the wife’s family regarding supporting the pregnant woman during prenatal care.