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Abstract:
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The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of childbirth preparation classes on self -efficacy in coping with labor pain in Thai primiparas . The nonprobability convenience sample consisted of sixty primiparas assigned to either a control or an experimental group (thirty in each group ) . In order to prevent crosscontamination , all control group data were collected before initiating enrollment of the experimental group . The control group participants received standard care and education . Participants in the experimental group attended three childbirth classes over three consecutive weeks . Data were collected at the beginning of week 1 to establish a baseline (pretest ) , at the end of the third class which is the end of the intervention (posttest ) , and at 24 -48 hours after delivery (follow -up ) using a demographic form , postnatal data form , and the Childbirth Self -efficacy Inventory . Overall , experimental group self -efficacy expectancy increased dramatically across three data points . In contrast , control group self -efficacy expectancy decreased dramatically across three data points . There was an interaction between time of selfefficacy expectancy measurement and group , F (1 .33 , 71 .77 ) = 6 .34 , p < .05 . Selfefficacy expectancy in the experimental group was significantly different than that of the control group , F (1 , 54 ) = 14 .66 , p < .001 . Outcome expectancy findings were different than self -efficacy expectancy results . Control group outcome expectancy decreased dramatically across three data points while the experimental group selfefficacy increased after the class and then decreased after the birth but was higher than baseline . There was an interaction between time of outcome expectancy measurement and group , F (1 .72 , 935 .18 ) = 4 .83 , p < .05 . Data at the follow -up or 24 -48 hours after delivery revealed that only one woman from the control group received an analgesic during the birthing process . The groups did not differ in duration of labor and type of delivery . These findings indicate partial effect of childbirth preparation classes on self -efficacy in coping with labor pain . The relatively small effect size reflects the high degree of variability in issues surrounding a woman's experience of pain and measures related to self -efficacy in coping with labor pain . Additional research in this population is needed . |