The Effect of a Training Program During Pregnancy on the Attitude and Intention of Nulliparous Women to Choose the Delivery Mode

Abstract

<strong><em>Background &</em></strong> <strong><em>aim</em></strong>: Despite the advantages of natural childbirth and complications associated with cesarean section, rate of cesarean delivery has increased dramatically in recent years. Therefore, appropriate training is essential to reducing this trend. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of training about the benefits of natural childbirth on the attitude and intention to select the mode of delivery in nulliparous women. <br/><strong><em>Methods:</em></strong> This randomized clinical trial was conducted on 64 nulliparous women with normal pregnancy at 30-34 weeks of gestation without indication for cesarean section referring to the health centers of Mashhad, Iran in 2014. Participants were randomly divided into two groups of intervention (training) and control. Training was focused on the benefits of natural delivery and performed in four sessions (60 minutes) using videos and slides. In both groups, pre-test and post-test were carried out using valid and reliable questionnaires. Data analysis was performed in SPSS V.22 using Fisher's exact test, Chi-square, Wilcoxon test, T-test, and Mann-Whitney U test. <br/><strong><em>Results:</em></strong> Mean score of attitude toward natural delivery had a significant difference in the intervention group before and after training (P<0.001). Mean difference in the score of attitude toward cesarean section was significantly higher in the intervention group compared to control group (P<0.001). Moreover, frequency of intentions to select the mode of delivery was significantly different in the intervention group before and after training (P=0.004). <br/><strong><em>Conclusion:</em></strong> According to the results of this study, training on the benefits of natural childbirth could positively influence the attitude of pregnant women toward natural delivery and reduce the rate of elective cesarean section.