HBM-Based Solution-Focused Birth Program on Fear of Childbirth in Primigravidas

Pregnancy is a period characterized by significant physiological and psychosocial changes, during which women adapt to new roles. While some women experience this period with excitement and hope, others may experience anxiety, uncertainty, and fear. Fear of childbirth (tokophobia) is a common condition that can negatively affect women's quality of life, birth preferences, and childbirth experiences. High levels of fear of childbirth have been associated with increased cesarean section rates, negative birth perceptions, and postpartum psychological problems. This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effect of a solution-focused childbirth preparation education program based on the Health Belief Model on fear of childbirth and belief in normal birth among primigravida women. Secondary outcomes include pregnancy-related stress and mode of delivery. Participants will be randomly assigned to either an intervention group receiving structured education or a control group receiving routine prenatal care. Data will be collected before and after the intervention using validated measurement tools, and delivery outcomes will be recorded after birth. The findings are expected to contribute to improving maternal psychological well-being and promoting positive childbirth experiences.

Pregnancy is a unique period characterized by significant physiological and psychosocial changes, during which women adopt new roles and adapt to this transition. Fear of childbirth (tokophobia) is a common condition that can negatively affect women's quality of life, childbirth preferences, and delivery outcomes. High levels of fear of childbirth have been associated with increased cesarean section rates and adverse psychological outcomes. This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a solution-focused childbirth preparation education program based on the Health Belief Model on fear of childbirth, belief in normal birth, pregnancy-related stress, and mode of delivery in primigravida women. Eligible participants will be randomly assigned to either an intervention group or a control group. The intervention group will receive a structured childbirth preparation education program based on the Health Belief Model and a solution-focused approach, while the control group will receive the standard antenatal education program provided by the Ministry of Health (Pregnancy School). Data will be collected at three time points: before the intervention, after the intervention, and in the postpartum period, using validated measurement tools. Delivery outcomes will be recorded following birth.

Inclusion Criteria: * Being 18 years of age or older * Having at least a primary school level of education * Being able to understand and speak Turkish * Having a singleton pregnancy * Being a primigravida * Being between 28 and 32 weeks of gestation at the time of the intervention. Exclusion Criteria: * Having a high-risk pregnancy (e.g., preeclampsia, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, placenta previa, oligohydramnios) * Having a chronic and/or psychiatric disorder * Having conceived through infertility treatment