Publication:

Assessment of childbirth experience in a tertiary care hospital: a cross-sectional questionnaire-based study

Background Childbirth is a multidimensional experience influenced by physical, emotional, interpersonal, and environmental factors. Understanding women’s experiences during childbirth is essential to improving the quality of maternity care and promoting positive maternal outcomes.

Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 150 postpartum women within 72 hours of delivery at a tertiary care teaching hospital. The childbirth experience questionnaire (CEQ), consisting of four domains - Own Capacity, Professional Support, Perceived Safety, and Participation was administered in English or Kannada. Sociodemographic, obstetric, and neonatal data were collected using structured proforma through interview of mother and review of hospital records. CEQ domain and total scores were converted to a 0-100 scale. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-tests, ANOVA, Pearson correlation, and multivariate linear regression. A p value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results The mean total CEQ score was 67.7±9.8, indicating a moderately positive childbirth experience. Highest scores were observed in Professional Support (78.6±10.1) and Perceived Safety (74.3±11.8), while Own Capacity (61.2±13.5) and Participation (56.8±14.9) were lower. Vaginal delivery was associated with significantly higher CEQ scores compared to caesarean section (p=0.01). Labour analgesia use was also associated with higher CEQ scores (p=0.03). Pain scores showed a negative correlation with childbirth satisfaction (r= –0.33), while perceived control correlated positively (r=+0.42). Independent predictors of positive childbirth experience included vaginal delivery, higher professional support, lower pain, and greater participation.

Conclusions Although women reported strong support and perceived safety, their sense of control and involvement in decision-making required improvement. Enhancing respectful maternity care and promoting shared decision-making may improve childbirth experiences.