Simulation-based childbirth education for Chinese primiparas: A pilot randomized controlled trial

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility of simulation-based childbirth education (SBCE) on reducing fear of childbirth (FOC) of Chinese primiparas.MethodsA total of 56 primiparas completed the trial including 26 in the intervention group and 30 in the control group. The intervention group received four sessions of SBCE while the control group received routine prenatal care. Chinese versions of the Wijma Delivery Expectancy/Experience Questionnaire (WDEQ-A) and Childbirth Self-Efficacy Inventory (CBSEI) were used to evaluate FOC and childbirth self-efficacy. Birth outcomes including delivery method, labor duration and Apgar scores were collected.ResultsScores on the WDEQ-A of the intervention group were statistically lower than those of the control group (P < 0.05). The CBSEI scores of the intervention group were significantly higher than those of the control group (P < 0.05). The cesarean birth rate of the intervention group was lower than that of the control group (34.61% vs 46.67%, P > 0.05).ConclusionSimulation-based childbirth education alleviates FOC, increases childbirth self-efficacy and improves birth outcomes, providing a new perspective to alleviate FOC of primiparas in the future.Practice implicationsSimulation-based childbirth education is an effective and feasible method to educate women about childbirth. Its integration into routine prenatal care of Chinese primiparas should be encouraged to reduce FOC.