Factors associated with women's satisfaction during labor

Abstract

Labor is a critical time for women and newborns. Every day in 2017, approximately 810 women died from preventable causes related to pregnancy and childbirth. Many studies revealed that labor care satisfaction is a critical point of intervention to eliminate the high maternal mortality rate. Thus, the Aim of this research was to assess factors associated with women's satisfaction during labor. A descriptive research design was utilized. A convenience sample of 384 women in labor was chosen from El-Shatby Maternity Hospital affiliated to Alexandria University. Tools: A socio-demographic and reproductive history interview schedule and the Birth Satisfaction Scale (BSS) were used. Results: the study revealed that 57% of the studied women had low satisfaction level. Significant correlations (0.01) were observed among satisfaction level and age, education, occupation, income and residence. Significant correlations (0.01) were observed among satisfaction level and number of gravidity, parity, abortion and type of delivery. Conclusion: more than half (57 %) of the study subjects had low satisfaction level. Many factors were associated with women's satisfaction during labor especially elect the place of birth, birth environment, sufficient support, staff communication, coping during labor, feeling in control, preparation for childbirth, relationship with baby and stress experienced during labor. Those factors are important indicators to improve women satisfaction during labor experience. Recommendation: midwifery care staff need to fully understand woman's expectations for their care, and provide care that is consistent with those expectations.