Abstract:
Fear of childbirth is feeling of uncertainty and anxiousness before, during, or
after the delivery. Fear of child birth causes prolonged labor and may lead to experiencing
more pain during delivery and subsequent postpartum stress. Although the importance of
assessing fear of childbirth is becoming evident, studies on its magnitude and associated
factors are scarce in Ethiopia in general and in eastern Ethioia, in particular.
Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the magnitude of fear of child birth and its
associated factors among pregnant women participating in the Hararghe Health and
Demographic Servillance System, Eastern Ethiopia from July 1 to 31, 2021.
Methods: A community- based cross-sectional study was conducted among 482 pregnant
women participating in the Hararghe Health and Demographic Surveillance System. Simple
random sampling was used to select eligble participants. Fear of childbirth was assessed
using the Wijma Delivery Expectancy Questionnaire which contains 33 questions to be rated
out of 165. A score more than and equal to 85 was considered as having fear of childbirth.
Data was entered into EpiData 3.1 and analyzed using SPSS 20. Both binary and multiple
logistic regression was fitted to identify factors associated with fear of childbirth. A p-value
<0.25 in the binary regression was used as a cut-off point for identifying variables to be
candidate for multiple logistic regression. Finally, p<0.05 was considered as statistically
significant association.
Results: From a total of 482 women approached, 476 (98.8%) were included in the study.
The magnitude of fear of childbirth was 23.3% (95% CI 19.3-26.9). No antenatal care
(AOR= 2.6; 95% CI 1.22-5.50), low husband support (AOR=5.7, 95% CI: 2.32-13.10),
unplanned pregnancy (AOR=7.8, 95% CI: (3.92-15.42), and history labor and delivery
complication (AOR=10.4, 95%CI: (5.20-20.81) were positively associated with fear of
childbirth.
Conclusion: A quarter of pregnant women included in this study had fear of childbirth. Fear
of childbirth was more likely among women with previous labor and delivery complication,
unplanned pregnancy, low husband support, and no ANC follow up. Counseling targeted on
the physiology of labor and importance of seeking care for fear of childbirth is essential
during antenatal consultations. Strengthening partner support, including in having planned
pregnancy, is essential for addressing fear of childbirth. Studying the persistence of fear of
childbirth after labor or related perinatal outcomes are essential for improving care
