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BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth
Published in: BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth 1/2016

Open Access 01-12-2016 | Research article

Predictors of a negative labour and birth experience based on a national survey of Canadian women

Authors: Andrei Smarandache, Theresa H. M. Kim, Yvonne Bohr, Hala Tamim

Published in: BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth | Issue 1/2016

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Abstract

Background

A negative birth experience has been shown to have a significant impact on the well-being and future choices of mothers. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of, and identify the risk factors associated with a negative birth experience for women in Canada.

Methods

The study was based on secondary data analysis of the Maternity Experiences Survey (MES), a Canadian population database administered to 6,421 Canadian women in 2006. The examined outcome - negative birth experience – was derived from mothers’ self-report of overall labour and birth experience. Independent variables were maternal demographics, health characteristics, pregnancy-related characteristics, and birth characteristics. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the significant predictors of negative birth experience. Adjusted Odds Ratios (AOR) and 95 % Confidence Intervals (CI) are reported.

Results

Negative birth experience was reported among 9.3 % of women. The main significant predictors of a negative birth experience included older age (AOR 2.29, 95 % CI, 1.03–5.07), violence experienced in the past two years (AOR, 1.62, 95 % CI, 1.21–2.18), poor self-perceived health (adjusted OR, 1.95, 95 % CI, 1.36–2.80), prenatal classes attended (adjusted OR, 1.36, 95 % CI, 1.06–1.76), unintended pregnancy (adjusted OR, 1.30, 95 % CI, 1.03–1.63), caesarean birth (AOR, 1.65, 95 % CI, 1.32–2.06), and neonate admission to intensive care (AOR, 1.40, 95 % CI, 1.08–1.82).

Conclusion

Significant predictors of a negative labour and birth experience were identified through this study, a first in the Canadian context. These findings suggest future research directions and provide a basis for the design and evaluation of maternal health policy and prevention programs.
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Metadata
Title
Predictors of a negative labour and birth experience based on a national survey of Canadian women
Authors
Andrei Smarandache
Theresa H. M. Kim
Yvonne Bohr
Hala Tamim
Publication date
01-12-2016
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth / Issue 1/2016
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2393
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-016-0903-2

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