Midwife-led psycho-education intervention to reduce childbirth fear: a quasi-experimental study

This quasi-experimental study aimed to assess the impact of a midwife-led psycho-education intervention on reducing fear of childbirth (FOC) and perceived stress (PS) in pregnant women. The present study involved 96 pregnant women. The intervention group received three 30-45 min telephone sessions using 'BELIEF' (Birth Emotion-Looking to Improve Expectant Fear) psycho-education approach. The outcomes were assessed using questionnaires on childbirth attitudes and PS. Data analysis was performed using Stata version 17. In the intervention group, the mean score for FOC decreased from 39.41 ± 7.02 to 29.91 ± 5.60 (9.5; 24.1%). The mean difference (MD) of 28.22% was statistically significant (adjusted MD: -10.51, 95% CI: -11.60, -9.41, P < 0.001). In the intervention group, mean scores for PS decreased from 22.77 ± 6.94 to 18.23 ± 5.69 (4.54; 19.93%). In the control group, scores increased from 22.68 ± 6.76 to 24.82 ± 6.58 (2.14; 9.43%). The 29.36% MD was statistically significant (aMD: -6.95, 95% CI: -8.73, -5.18, P < 0.001). The findings of this study indicate that the midwife-led psycho-education intervention, utilizing the 'BELIEF' protocol over the telephone, has a significant effect on reducing FOC and PS, as well as increasing the preference for vaginal birth.