Effect of training based on Group Investigation Model on fear of childbirth

Fear of childbirth is the most reason for cesarean section and it is greater in primigravida women. This study aimed to determine the effect of training based on Group Investigation Model on fear of childbirth in primigravida women.

This was a field trial. Samples of primigravida women (n = 72) who referred to health centers in Ferdows, Iran in 2018 were entered into the study and randomly assigned to intervention and control groups. In the intervention group, the training program was held in 6 sessions each lasting for 90 minutes. Two sessions were held each week. Data were collected by using a demographic and Wijma fear of delivery questionnaire. Data were analyzed by using SPSS software version 16 using Chi-square, t-teste and pair t-test.

The mean age of the participants was 26.20 ± 5.19 years. At baseline there was no significant difference in fear of childbirth score in the two groups (P=0.57). However, the results showed a significant decrease in the fear of childbirth after intervention in the intervention group compared to the pre intervention (P <0.001). Also, after intervention the results showed that fear of childbirth was significantly different in intervention and control groups (P <0.001).

The Group Investigation Method for educating pregnant women was an effective and applicable intervention for reducing the fear of childbirth. The model might be useful in reducing the fear of childbirth and subsequently desire for vaginal childbirth and reducing the cesarean section.