Prevalence and associated factors of severe fear of child among pregnant mothers attending ANC at public health facilities of Gondar town, Gondar, North west Ethiopia

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