An psychoeducation programme based on self‐efficacy theory to improve experience of natural birth for primigravid women: Study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

AIM AND OBJECTIVES To present a study protocol for estimating the feasibility, effectiveness and safety of an individual (five sessions), group (one session) and face-to-face psychoeducation programme based on self-efficacy theory to improve childbirth experience of primigravid women. BACKGROUND In present China, fertility rates are falling and ageing is accelerating. How to improve the fertility level of childbearing women is of great significance. However, about 10%-20% of women have negative childbirth experience after birth, which seriously affects maternal and child health and family functions, and even fertility desires and intentions in the future. Nevertheless, due to the lack of a series of well-designed randomised controlled trials(RCTs), there is no specific methodology to guide the most effective intervention for primigravid women. In this regard, based on Bandura's self-efficacy theory, an intervention programme to promote a positive childbirth experience for primigravid women has been designed and will be evaluated to determine its impact on primigravid women. DESIGN A non-blinded randomised controlled trial. METHODS We report the study protocol for this randomised controlled trial based on the SPIRIT2013 statement. A total of 238 eligible primigravid women will be randomly divided into the control group (n = 119) or the intervention group (n = 119). The control group will receive care as usual, that is, six routine prenatal examinations. In addition to the routine examinations, the intervention group will also receive six face-to-face interventions. Baseline assessment will occur at about 24th week of gestation and follow up at 37th weeks of gestation, intrapartum, 1-3 days postpartum and 42 days postpartum. The primary outcomes are childbirth experience, childbirth self-efficacy; others are fear of childbirth, labour control, labour pain and labour satisfaction. IMPACT From the perspective of clinical work, this protocol provides practical guidance for cultivating the positive childbirth experience of the primigravid women. From the perspective of sociology, the positive experience and emotion of primigravid women can improve the fertility intention of women of childbearing age, which is relatively conducive to optimising Chinese demographic structure and reducing the pressure of ageing population in the long term.