Abstract:
Abstract
Background: Globally severe degree fear of childbirth is estimated to be 6-16% but the incidence has
significant variation across countries. It leads to maternal depression, feeding problem and requiring for
Cesarean section.
Even though studies indicated increased rate of the problem globally, there is a limited
information the magnitude and predictors of the problem in Ethiopia. Thus, this study aimed to
describe the prevalence and associated factors of fear of child birth in pregnant mothers attending ANC at
Gondar public health facilities.
Objective: - To assess the prevalence and associated factors of fear of childbirth among pregnant
mothers attending ANC at Gondar public health facilities, North West Ethiopia, 2022.
Methods: - An Institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted at public health facilities in
Gondar from June-July 30, 2022 with sample size of 410. Semi-structured questioner was utilized. EpiData
version
4.6
statistical
software
was
used
for
data
entry
and
exported
to
SPSS
version
26
statistical
software for data management and analysis. Binary logistic regression was fitted to identify
associated factors. Variables with p-value< 0.2 were considered for the multivariable binary logistic
regression analysis. In the final model, Adjusted Odds Ratio
Result: a total 410 pregnant mothers attended ANC at public health facilities in Gondar town were
included. The mean age of the pregnant mothers were 28.1 years
severe degree fear of childbirth.
Conclusion- more than half of pregnant mothers had a severe degree of fear of childbirth. Previous
complication, unwanted pregnancy, previous mode of delivery and poor social support are factors
affecting fear of childbirth.
Keywords: Prevalence, Fear of childbirth, Gondar, Ethiopia
