The Presence of Husbands during Physiologic Delivery: A Study of Husbands’ Perception of the Physical Characteristics of Childbirth Rooms in Iran 

Abstract Background Nowadays, the presence of husbands during the childbirth process is regarded as an important factor that can contribute to lower rate of the C-section, better success of physiologic delivery and higher satisfaction in childbirth experience. The global rise in mothers’ tendency toward C-section has urged health policymakers to look for various ways to encourage mothers to give natural birth, including the presence of husbands during the childbirth. Considering the special sociocultural characteristics of the Iranian society, this method requires accurate assessment to be practical and effective. Objective The aim of this research was finding out how husbands perceive the environmental and physical characteristics of delivery spaces via studying these physical characteristics, exploring them through husbands’ perception and finally discovering the mechanism behind formation of this perception. Study Design: First, the conceptual model of the study was developed after a review of the physiologic childbirth literature. Then, a research questionnaire was designed and distributed among 56 husbands who recently had the experience of accompanying their wives during physiologic childbirth. Results The results showed that light, color and temperature play a significant role in husbands’ perception of delivery spaces under the special psychological conditions and stress that they experience during the childbirth. Designer should pay due attention to these three factors when designing the structure of childbirth spaces. Conclusion Promoting the environmental quality of the physiologic delivery room based on husband's perception can help mothers and medical staff better manage childbirth pain which is an integral part of natural childbirths.