Research Article

Examining Vaginal Birth Self-Efficacy and Fear of Childbirth in Primigravida Women: Influencing Factors and Their Relationship

Volume: 11 Number: 2 May 31, 2026
TR EN

Examining Vaginal Birth Self-Efficacy and Fear of Childbirth in Primigravida Women: Influencing Factors and Their Relationship

Abstract

Objective: Pregnant women’s self-efficacy and fear of childbirth significantly influence their birthing experience. This study aimed to assess self-efficacy and fear of childbirth among primigravida women, examine influencing factors, and explore the relationship between these variables. Material and Methods: This descriptive study was conducted with a sample of 255 primigravida women who applied to the Obstetrics and Gynecology Outpatient Clinic of an training and research hospital in Türkiye between August 2022 and June 2023. Data were collected using an individual introduction form, the Self-Efficacy Scale for Normal Birth, and the Wijma Birth Expectancy/Experience Scale Version A. Descriptive statistics, correlation, and multiple linear regression analyses (Enter method) were used, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Women reported moderate levels of self-efficacy (56.96±18.12) and fear of childbirth (52.34±22.61). A significant negative correlation was found between self-efficacy and fear of childbirth (r= -0.373, p<0.001). Education level and household composition significantly influenced fear of childbirth. Gestational age showed a negative correlation, while marriage duration had a weak positive correlation with fear of childbirth. Regression analysis revealed that self-efficacy, participation in birth preparation classes, household composition, and education level significantly predicted fear of childbirth (21% variance explained). Fear of childbirth, spouse’s employment status, and household composition significantly predicted self-efficacy (15% variance explained). Conclusion: Increasing pregnant women’s self-efficacy reduces fear of childbirth. Socio-demographic factors like education, household structure, and birth preparation education significantly affect both fear and self-efficacy. These findings highlight the importance of personalized education and support during pregnancy

Keywords

Supporting Institution

TUBITAK

Project Number

1919B012107172

Ethical Statement

Data were collected after obtaining written informed consent from the participants and receiving institutional permission from the Non-Interventional Clinical Research Ethics Committee of the university where the study was conducted (date: 26.05.2022, decision no: 268) and the hospital where the study was conducted (date: 22.07.2022, decision no: 2022/70). Permission to use the scales in the study was obtained via email from the authors who conducted the Turkish validity and reliability studies of the scales.

Thanks

We thank TÜBİTAK for financial support.

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Obstetrics and Gynocology Nursing

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

May 31, 2026

Submission Date

April 21, 2025

Acceptance Date

August 14, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 11 Number: 2

APA
Batmaz, H., & Çetin Avcı, S. (2026). Examining Vaginal Birth Self-Efficacy and Fear of Childbirth in Primigravida Women: Influencing Factors and Their Relationship. İzmir Katip Çelebi Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Fakültesi Dergisi, 11(2), 252-260. https://doi.org/10.61399/ikcusbfd.1680965
AMA
1.Batmaz H, Çetin Avcı S. Examining Vaginal Birth Self-Efficacy and Fear of Childbirth in Primigravida Women: Influencing Factors and Their Relationship. İKÇÜSBFD. 2026;11(2):252-260. doi:10.61399/ikcusbfd.1680965
Chicago
Batmaz, Halime, and Seda Çetin Avcı. 2026. “Examining Vaginal Birth Self-Efficacy and Fear of Childbirth in Primigravida Women: Influencing Factors and Their Relationship”. İzmir Katip Çelebi Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Fakültesi Dergisi 11 (2): 252-60. https://doi.org/10.61399/ikcusbfd.1680965.
EndNote
Batmaz H, Çetin Avcı S (May 1, 2026) Examining Vaginal Birth Self-Efficacy and Fear of Childbirth in Primigravida Women: Influencing Factors and Their Relationship. İzmir Katip Çelebi Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Fakültesi Dergisi 11 2 252–260.
IEEE
[1]H. Batmaz and S. Çetin Avcı, “Examining Vaginal Birth Self-Efficacy and Fear of Childbirth in Primigravida Women: Influencing Factors and Their Relationship”, İKÇÜSBFD, vol. 11, no. 2, pp. 252–260, May 2026, doi: 10.61399/ikcusbfd.1680965.
ISNAD
Batmaz, Halime - Çetin Avcı, Seda. “Examining Vaginal Birth Self-Efficacy and Fear of Childbirth in Primigravida Women: Influencing Factors and Their Relationship”. İzmir Katip Çelebi Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Fakültesi Dergisi 11/2 (May 1, 2026): 252-260. https://doi.org/10.61399/ikcusbfd.1680965.
JAMA
1.Batmaz H, Çetin Avcı S. Examining Vaginal Birth Self-Efficacy and Fear of Childbirth in Primigravida Women: Influencing Factors and Their Relationship. İKÇÜSBFD. 2026;11:252–260.
MLA
Batmaz, Halime, and Seda Çetin Avcı. “Examining Vaginal Birth Self-Efficacy and Fear of Childbirth in Primigravida Women: Influencing Factors and Their Relationship”. İzmir Katip Çelebi Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Fakültesi Dergisi, vol. 11, no. 2, May 2026, pp. 252-60, doi:10.61399/ikcusbfd.1680965.
Vancouver
1.Halime Batmaz, Seda Çetin Avcı. Examining Vaginal Birth Self-Efficacy and Fear of Childbirth in Primigravida Women: Influencing Factors and Their Relationship. İKÇÜSBFD. 2026 May 1;11(2):252-60. doi:10.61399/ikcusbfd.1680965



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