Testing the birth attitude profile scale in a Swedish sample of women with fear of birth

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to explore the "Birth Attitude Profile Scale (BAPS)" in a selected sample of women with fear of birth. Another aim was to develop profiles of women according to their birth attitudes and levels of childbirth fear in relation to background characteristics. Methods: A secondary analysis of data collected in two different samples of women with fear of birth. Data were collected by a questionnaire in gestational week 36 and background data from mid-pregnancy. A principal component analysis and a cluster analysis were performed of the combined sample of 195 women. Results: The principal component analysis revealed four domains of the BAPS: "personal impact, birth as a natural event, freedom of choice and safety concerns". When adding the fear of birth scale, two clusters were identified: one with strong attitudes and lower fear, labeled "selfdeterminers"; and one with no strong attitudes but high levels of fear, labeled "fearful." Women in the "Fearful" cluster more often reported previous and current mental health problems, which were the main difference between the clusters. Conclusion: The BAPS instrument seems to be useful in identifying birth attitudes in women with fear of birth and could be a basis for discussions and birth planning during pregnancy. Mental health problems were the main difference in cluster membership; therefore, it is important to ask women with fear of childbirth about physical, mental and social aspects of health. In addition, a qualitative approach using techniques such as focus groups or interviews is needed to explore how women come to form their attitudes and beliefs about birth.

The effect of birth ball exercise on labor pain, delivery duration, birth comfort, and birth satisfaction: a randomized controlled study

“…In the form prepared by the researcher in accordance with the literature, there are 22 items in total: 11 items about the socio-demographic characteristics of women (age, height, weight, educational status, marital status, employment status, income level perception, income level, place of residence, family structure, and smoking status); 5 items about obstetric characteristics (gestational week, history of abortion-curettage, status of wanted pregnancy, status of receiving regular prenatal care, the source of care); and, 6 items about preparation for childbirth (status of receiving birth preparation education, source of birth preparation education, status of being ready to become a mother, status of receiving spousal support during pregnancy, status of receiving support from family or friends during pregnancy, and satisfaction with pregnancy) [19,36,39].…”

Understanding psychological wellbeing in pregnant women in and outside COVID-19 and the importance of including fathers

“…In addition, spousal support was found to be a mediator variable in the relationship between self-efficacy and FOC, showing the importance of support as a buffer against stressful situations such as a delivery. A Swedish study of pregnant women with FOC revealed two clusters: one with strong attitudes and lower fear, labeled "self-determiners", and one with no strong attitudes but high levels of fear, labeled "fearful" [7]. It seems important to differentiate between the different subtypes of women with FOC to determine which treatment would be most effective.…”

Effect of Supportive Midwifery Care in Primiparous on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Fear of Childbirth in Labour

“…Labour is an important period in women's lives, but it is also a great source of stress for them (Hildingsson & Rubertsson, 2021). Fear of childbirth can range from mild anxiety and fear to severe fear (Dencker et al, 2019;Nilson et al, 2018).…”