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Xue B, Wang X, Chen H, Redding SR, Wei W, Ouyang YQ. Fear of childbirth and influencing factors of expectant fathers in China: a cross-sectional study. PSYCHOL HEALTH MED 2024; 29:1411-1424. [PMID: 38482838 DOI: 10.1080/13548506.2024.2329913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Fear of childbirth not only brings negative psychological experiences to expectant fathers and affect their ability to prepare for parenthood but can even affect children's emotional and cognitive development. It is essential to identify men with a more severe fear of birth and its related risk factors for the better transition of fathers' role. The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of fear of childbirth among Chinese expectant fathers, identify its contributing factors and explore the association among fear of childbirth, resilience and dyadic coping. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in the obstetric department of two tertiary hospitals in Wuhan, China. The socio-demographic questionnaire, the father's version of the Wijma Delivery Expectancy/Experience Questionnaire version A (W-DEQ A), the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale-10 (CD-RISC), and the Dyadic Coping Inventory (DCI) were used to explore the correlation of fear of childbirth, resilience and dyadic coping of participants. Ultimately, a total of 1176 expectant fathers were included in this study. The prevalence of fear of childbirth was 32.1%. Gestational weeks of pregnant women, monthly income, adverse birth experience, gravidity and parity of pregnant women were considered risk factors for the expectant fathers with fear of childbirth. Furthermore, there was a weak negative correlation between fear of childbirth and resilience and dyadic coping. In conclusion, the prevalence of fear of childbirth in expectant fathers in China was high. Adequate identification of factors influencing the fear of childbirth among expectant fathers is necessary to reduce the fear of childbirth and to develop appropriate interventions in preparing fathers for their new parenting role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Xue
- School of Nursing, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Department of Nursing, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Wang
- School of Nursing, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Huijun Chen
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | | | - Wei Wei
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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Calpbinici P, Uzunkaya Öztoprak P, Terzioğlu F, Üstün Y. The Fathers' Fear of Childbirth Scale: a Turkish validity and reliability study. J Reprod Infant Psychol 2024; 42:424-438. [PMID: 37309993 DOI: 10.1080/02646838.2023.2225084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Fathers' Fear of Childbirth Scale (FFCS) was developed specifically to measure fathers' fear of childbirth. The aim of this study was to investigate the Turkish validity and reliability of the FFCS. DESIGN This study used a cross-sectional and methodological design. METHODS The population of the study consists of 315 pregnant spouses who were registered at a hospital in Ankara, Turkey, between August 11 and 5 November 2021. The mean age of expectant fathers are 31.57 (5.88). After translating the FFCS to Turkish, a confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to examine its construct validity. Concurrent validity was established by examining the correlation between the FFCS-Turkish with the Fear of Birth Scale (FOBS) and the male version of the Childbirth Fear-Prior to Pregnancy scale (M-CFPP). Both internal consistency and test-retest reliability were examined for the FFCS-Turkish. Results: The scope validity index of the scale was found to be 0.96. Based on the results of confirmatory factor analysis, a two-factor structure with 17 items was verified. The fit indices were found to be χ2 = 309.610, χ2/df = 2.76, root mean square error = 0.075, goodness of fit index = 0.89, comparative fit index = 0.93, and adjusted goodness of fit index = 0.86. All fit indices were at good levels. A strong correlation was found between the FFCS and the FOBS and M-CFPP scales within the scope of concurrent validity. Cronbach's alpha reliability coefficient for the entire scale was 0.93. The test-retest reliability was also high. CONCLUSIONS The FFCS is a valid and reliable scale and measurement tool that can be used on Turkish expectant fathers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pelin Calpbinici
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Nursing, Nevşehir Hacı Bektaş Veli University, Semra and Vefa Küçük Faculty of Health Sciences, Nevsehir, Turkiye
| | - Pınar Uzunkaya Öztoprak
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkiye
| | | | - Yaprak Üstün
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Etlik Zübeyde Hanım Women's Health Education and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Ankara, Turkiye
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Hoffmann L, Hilger N, Banse R. Men, mindsets and birth: results of a prospective longitudinal study. J Reprod Infant Psychol 2024:1-12. [PMID: 38265755 DOI: 10.1080/02646838.2024.2309374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
AIMS/BACKGROUND In recent years, there has been an increased interested in the contribution of fathers to childbirth. In the present paper we explore whether the father's birth-related mindset (being either more natural or more medical) can predict the mother's labour and birth outcomes and whether the father's experience and evaluation of the birth can predict his psychological well-being after the birth. DESIGN/METHODS We conducted a longitudinal study (N = 304 expecting fathers) spanning the first trimester of pregnancy up to six months after birth. RESULTS The study results could be integrated into a Single Indicator Model. They indicated that a father's more natural birth-related mindset predicted low-intervention birth for the mother. A low-intervention birth led to a more positive birth experience for the father, and in turn to better postpartum adjustment, fewer symptoms of postpartum paternal depression eight weeks after birth, and more secure bonding to the infant six months after birth. CONCLUSION The study results indicate that fathers do not take a merely passive role in childbirth. On the contrary, analogous to pregnant mothers, fathers' views about childbirth might contribute to the course of birth, and their own postpartum psychological well-being. The results of the present study, thus, highlight the importance of fathers for childbirth and in a broader sense, the results also contribute to a better understanding of the psychological framework of birth and represents a valuable starting point for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Hoffmann
- Department of Psychology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Norbert Hilger
- Department of Psychology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Rainer Banse
- Department of Psychology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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Sharif-Nia H, Ahmadzadeh Tori N, Behmanesh F, Ghaffari F, Pourreza A. Development and psychometric evaluation of the questionnaire on the contributing factors of tendency towards voluntary single-childedness and childlessness: a mixed method study. Sci Rep 2024; 14:1305. [PMID: 38225376 PMCID: PMC10789787 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-51178-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 01/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Couples' tendency towards voluntary single-childedness and childlessness (VSCC) has turned into a major challenge in all societies and led to different problems such as population aging. A key step to VSCC management is to determine its contributing factors through valid and reliable instruments. This exploratory sequential mixed method study (qualitative-quantitative) was conducted in 2020-2021. Phases of qualitative consists of all couples aged 15-49 in Babol, Iran, who were single or childless. Sampling is based on the purpose, and the number of samples is 20 couples. To collect data, face-to-face and semi-structured interviews were conducted with the participants. Sampling continued until data saturation. The data were analyzed by the conventional content analysis method and quantitative phase. Initially, a qualitative study was conducted on twenty couples, and were analyzed through conventional content analysis. Findings were used to develop QFT-VSCC and then, the face, content, and construct validity as well as reliability were assessed. Construct validity was assessed through exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses and reliability was assessed through internal consistency and stability assessments. The results of the qualitative part analysis consist of 140 codes, 30 primary categories, and nine main categories and two themes (individual limitations and social limitations). The primary QFT-VSCC had 78 items. Fifty-eight items were omitted during validity assessment and the remaining twenty-two items were loaded on five factors during factor analysis. These factors were threatened priorities, inappropriate familial context for childbearing, sense of occupational and social insecurity for the child, social modeling of childlessness, and tendency towards change or stability in marital life. The five factors explained 52.56% of the total variance. All model fit indices in confirmatory factor analysis were acceptable and the Cronbach's alpha values of QFT-VSCC and all its factors were more than 0.70. The results of convergent validity analysis revealed that all factors had an AVE value greater than 0.5, and the HTMT index for all factors was less than 0.85. This indicated that discriminant validity had been achieved. QFT-VSCC is a simple valid and reliable instrument for VSCC assessment among both men and women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamid Sharif-Nia
- Psychosomatic Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Department of Nursing, Amol Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Neda Ahmadzadeh Tori
- Social Determinants of Health (SDH) Research Center, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran.
| | - Fereshteh Behmanesh
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Ghaffari
- Nursing Care Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Abolghasem Pourreza
- Department of Health Education and Promotion, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Dai J, Shi Y, Guo L, Wang Y, Kong X. Discrepancy in parental fear of childbirth: A scoping review. Midwifery 2023; 126:103830. [PMID: 37769587 DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2023.103830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fear of childbirth is a prevalent clinical psychological issue for both mother and father; however, there is a lack of research comparing and summarizing discrepancies in parental fear of childbirth. AIM This study aimed to explore differences in parental fear of childbirth, identify gaps in related research area, and provide directions for future studies. METHODS Original references were searched from six databases by using subject terms associated with fear of childbirth. The guideline of the scoping review framework proposed by Arksey and O' Malley were applied. RESULTS The review covered 203 publications in all. Of them, 181 were maternal studies and 22 were paternal studies. 105 articles examined prevalence and influencing factors ranging from 0.7 % to 89.3 % in mothers and 5 % to 54.3 % in fathers. The current study included 84 influencing factors, 9 of which were common to parents and 75 of which were different, containing fathers' specific influences on fear of childbirth are perceived pregnancy difficulties, perceived birth difficulties, feelings about the upcoming birth, more frequent thoughts of birth in the middle of pregnancy and not attending parent education classes. 12 articles dealt with the experience of fear of childbirth, and the parents' fear of childbirth had 5 common themes, including fear of the birthing process, fear related to the baby, fear of lack of support, fear of postnatal health and life, and adverse psychological problems. But they have different sub-themes. 61 articles on fear of childbirth interventions, including 8 mother-specific approaches and 4 identical approaches for parents, and all of these methods were effective in reducing the prevalence of parental fear of childbirth. CONCLUSION Factors such as marital status, personality, etc., that are specific to mothers can also be applied to paternal fear of childbirth. Cognitive-behavioral therapy and group discussion, which are unique to maternal fear of childbirth, may be attempted for paternal fear of childbirth. In addition, future research should be devoted to developing a specific measurement tool for fathers, studying paternal fear of childbirth in depth from various aspects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayang Dai
- School of Nursing and School of Public Health, Yangzhou University, China
| | - Ya Shi
- School of Nursing and School of Public Health, Yangzhou University, China; School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, England
| | - Lu Guo
- School of Nursing and School of Public Health, Yangzhou University, China
| | - Yuanyuan Wang
- School of Nursing and School of Public Health, Yangzhou University, China
| | - Xiang Kong
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Experimental & Translational Non-coding RNA Research, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, China; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, China.
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Mortazavi F, Nikbakht R, Mehrabadi M, Shahhosseini Z. A structural equation model analysis of the relationship between expectant fathers' fear of COVID-19 and their fear of childbirth: The mediating role of maternal fear of childbirth. Midwifery 2023; 125:103790. [PMID: 37595365 DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2023.103790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Revised: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pregnancy and childbirth may provoke various emotional responses in expectant fathers including excessive fear of childbirth. It is not unreasonable to assume that fear of contracting the virus during the COVID-19 pandemic, may have intensified fathers' fear of childbirth. This study aims to determine the mediating role of the expectant mothers' fear of childbirth in the relationship between expectant fathers' fear of COVID-19 and their fear of childbirth. METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted on 270 pregnant women and their spouses attending health centers from Aug 2021 to April 2022. Fathers' fear of childbirth scale (FFCS), Wijma Delivery Expectancy/Experience Questionnaire (W-DEQ-A), and Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S) were used to collect data. To examine the relationships between variables and to develop the final model, we used the structural equation model (SEM). RESULTS The prevalence of severe fear of childbirth in fathers and their female spouses were 40.9% and 22.4%, respectively. The mean score and standard deviation of fear of childbirth in the fathers and their female spouses were 49.2 ± 17.1 and 62.5 ± 29.4, respectively. Results showed that fathers' fear of COVID-19 was directly (B = 0.44, p = 0.004) and indirectly (B = 0.13, p = 0.015) associated with fathers' fear of childbirth. Also, women's fear of childbirth was positively associated with fathers' fear of childbirth (B = 0.45, p = 0.030). In the final model, the values of χ2/df, CFI, PCFI, RMSEA, and SRMR were equal to 2.32, 0.94, 0.76, 0.07, and 0.06, respectively. CONCLUSIONS We found a high prevalence of severe fear of childbirth in Iranian expectant fathers which means that fathers' fear of childbirth is a national health concern that needs to be addressed. The findings of the present study indicate that mothers' fear of childbirth has a mediating role in the relationship between fathers' fear of COVID and fear of childbirth. Therefore, to alleviate fathers' fear of childbirth, interventions to reduce fathers' fear of COVID-19 and women's fear of childbirth should be developed and implemented. The impact of fathers' mental health on the fear of childbirth in expectant couples should be further investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Forough Mortazavi
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran.
| | - Roya Nikbakht
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Faculty of Health, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Maryam Mehrabadi
- Health Chancellery, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran
| | - Zohreh Shahhosseini
- Sexual and Reproductive Health Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
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Guo P, Zhang X, Cui N, Chen D, Wang L, Zheng Q, Xu J, Jin Y, Mao M, Xu P, Zhang W, Wang X, Xu X, Zhao R, Feng S. Psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the fathers' fear of childbirth scale: A cross-sectional study. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1128971. [PMID: 36816399 PMCID: PMC9935613 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1128971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Fear of childbirth (FOC) is one of the most common mental health concerns among expectant fathers, which can cause adverse consequences for themselves and their families. A valid and accurate tool is the key to the identification of FOC. This study aimed to translate and culturally adapt the fathers' fear of childbirth scale (FFCS) into simplified Chinese and test the scale's psychometric properties among expectant fathers in mainland China. METHODS Researchers obtained translation permission and followed the multiphase translation guidelines to develop the Chinese version of the fathers' fear of childbirth scale (C-FFCS). Relevant psychometric properties were selected for the scale's psychometric validation on the basis of the Consensus-based Standards for the Selection of Health Status Measurement Instruments checklist. In this cross-sectional study, two samples of expectant fathers were collected in a university-affiliated hospital in Hangzhou between September and October 2022. RESULTS A total of 381 expectant fathers completed the C-FFCS, resulting in an effective response rate of 95.6%. The C-FFCS is a 3-factor structure consisting of 16 items, which explained 66.374% of the total variance. The content validity index of items ranged from 0.833 to 1.00, and the scale-level content validity index was 0.931. The confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the scale's 3-factor structure. Evidence of convergent validity (average variance extracted = 0.508-0.780) as well as discriminant validity offered excellent psychometric support. The Cronbach's α coefficient, McDonald's ω coefficient, intraclass correlation coefficient, Spearman-Brown coefficient, and Guttman split-half coefficient are within the satisfactory range (> 0.80). Significant correlations between the scores of the C-FFCS and Childbirth Attitude Questionnaire (r = 0.658, p < 0.01) and Fear of Birth Scale (r = 0.555, p < 0.01) both revealed good concurrent validity. The structure of C-FFCS was invariant across different parity groups, with no floor and ceiling effect. CONCLUSION The C-FFCS was demonstrated to be a sound instrument with good reliability and validity for measuring Chinese expectant fathers' FOC levels. However, further studies are advocated to verify the C-FFCS among a larger sample that is more representative of the Chinese expectant father population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pingping Guo
- Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Faculty of Nursing, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xuehui Zhang
- School of Nursing, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Nianqi Cui
- Faculty of Nursing, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Dandan Chen
- Faculty of Nursing, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lijuan Wang
- Faculty of Nursing, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qiong Zheng
- Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Faculty of Nursing, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jin Xu
- Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yin Jin
- Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Minna Mao
- Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Faculty of Nursing, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ping Xu
- Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Faculty of Nursing, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Faculty of Nursing, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaojuan Wang
- Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Faculty of Nursing, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xuefen Xu
- Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Rujia Zhao
- Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Faculty of Nursing, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Suwen Feng
- Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
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Ghaffari SF, Sharif Nia H, Elyasi F, Shahhosseini Z, Mohammadpoorsaravimozafar Z. Correction to: Design and psychometric evaluation of the fathers' fear of childbirth scale: a mixed method study. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2021; 21:319. [PMID: 33888078 PMCID: PMC8061170 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-021-03805-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Hamid Sharif Nia
- Amol Faculty of Nursing, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Forouzan Elyasi
- Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Research Center, Sexual and Reproductive Health Research Center, Addiction Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Zohreh Shahhosseini
- Sexual and Reproductive Health Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
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