Factors associated with women's childbirth experience in Slovakia: A cross-sectional analysis of overall childbirth experience and individual domains of the Childbirth Experience Questionnaire 2 (CEQ2).

Abstract

Introduction: The experience of a woman with childbirth represents a significant indicator of the quality of maternal care and influences their health during the postpartum period. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to analyze women's childbirth experiences in Slovakia using the Childbirth Experience Questionnaire 2 (CEQ2) and to identify associated demographic and obstetric factors.

Methods: Using a consecutive sampling strategy, all women giving birth in the participating hospital between September 2024 and March 2025 who met the eligibility criteria were included. The final sample was 103 women. Four CEQ2 domains (own capacity, perceived safety, professional support, participation) were assessed as well as the overall CEQ2 score. Data were analyzed using multiple linear regression.

Results: The mean overall CEQ2 score was 2.74 (SD=0.37). Among the domains, participation received the highest mean score (3.00 ± 0.59), while own capacity received the lowest (2.57 ± 0.52). Multiparity was associated with a higher overall CEQ2 score (B=5.66; 95% CI: 2.41-8.91; p<0.001) and with higher scores in the domains own capacity and perceived safety. Operative vaginal delivery was associated with a lower overall CEQ2 score (B= -6.06; 95% CI: -11.59 - -0.53; p=0.032) and lower perceived safety scores. No demographic or obstetric factors were associated with the professional support or participation domains.

Conclusions: Women generally reported positive childbirth experiences. Multiparity and operative vaginal birth showed the most consistent associations with the overall CEQ2 score. These findings should be confirmed in larger multi-center and longitudinal studies.