RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Pregnancy-related anxiety (PrA) is a specific type of anxiety experienced during the perinatal period. It may concern a person's health and physical appearance, fetal development, hospital and health care experiences, impending childbirth, and early parenthood. PrA is considered to be a stronger predictor of adverse pregnancy outcomes than general anxiety and depression. The purpose of this research was to conduct a pilot study and evaluate the course of vaginal birth (VB) in relation to PrA levels in a population of pregnant women with low obstetrical risk. METHODS: This cross-sectional exploratory study included 84 pregnant women (with a mean age of 28.61 ± 4.99) (without cesarean section (CS) indications and with a low risk of complications during VB). Research questionnaires were distributed and filled in in person during the course of hospitalization. Groups that varied at the level of PrA were compared using the Wilcoxon rank-sum test, Fisher's exact test, or chi-square test of independence, as appropriate. RESULTS: More than two-thirds of the respondents (72.6%) were medicated in labor. Women with high PrA, selected based on a cut-off point with a total PRAQ-R2 score of 60, experienced significantly longer first (start of established labor to fully dilated cervix) and second (lasts from when cervix is fully dilated until the birth) periods of labor, instrumental delivery, or emergency CS. In the group with high PrA levels, a episiotMmentation of evidence-based recommendations for the affected population to identify and further treat women with elevated levels of PrA.
RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Polish perinatal care is facing a high, ever-increasing cesarean section (CS) rate that is currently at 43%. Crucially, reports have revealed that the attitudes, experiences, and skills of clinicians directly contribute to this elevated CS rate. METHODS: This cross-sectional study, which included 748 Polish medical students, aimed to identify medical students' attitudes regarding birth methods. A descriptive questionnaire was distributed via the academic email addresses of surveyed medical students. Group comparisons were performed using Welch's t-test for continuous data or a Chi-squared test for categorical data. We also used the Mann-Whitney U test and Kruskal-Wallis H test. RESULTS: Midwifery students (96.2%) were the most unified group of students, with most agreeing that VB (vaginal birth) presents a safer option for women at low risk for VB-related complications vs. cesarean section. Of Medical Faculty students, 68% believed that fewer complications typically occur during vaginal birth than during CS. Students in their final vs. initial years of study furthermore considered VB more beneficial for women than CS. CONCLUSIONS: An important factor identified at the individual clinician level is the presence of leadership and executive support. For medical students, we can interpret this as support from their trainers and supervisors.