Exploring Severe Fear of Childbirth in China: An In-depth Systematic Review of Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Interventions.

Abstract

Objectives: Fear of childbirth (FOC) is a psychological symptom, prevalent among pregnant women, which negatively impacts women's health and well-being. The objective of this study is to analyze existing literature regarding pregnant women in China, evaluating the prevalence, risk elements, and interventions to alleviate severe childbirth fear.

Methods: A comprehensive search was done across nine bibliographic databases to retrieve published research from their earliest records to August 2023. The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal instruments were employed to evaluate the quality of each article. Data were independently extracted by pairs of reviewers and synthesized through a narrative analysis.

Results: The review comprised ten studies: seven cross-sectional studies and three randomized controlled trials. The results revealed varied prevalence rates of FOC. Risk factors identified were categorized into three main groups: sociodemographic characteristics, pregnancy and birth-related aspects, and mood-related aspects. Identified interventions included relaxation therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy.

Conclusions: Studies are scarce concerning FOC among Chinese pregnant women. However, existing research indicates that FOC remains prevalent within the population. Moreover, these studies reveal that risk factors for this fear are multifaceted, and limited intervention approaches are available. This study highlights the urgent need for further research to deepen the understanding of FOC among Chinese women and develop more comprehensive and tailored interventions to improve the overall maternal health and childbirth experiences in China.