Fear of Childbirth and Its Predictors in Repregnant Women After Cesarean Section: A Cross-Sectional Multicenter Study in China

Background: Since the implementation of China’s two-child policy in 2016, the number of repregnant women after cesarean section has increased significantly. These women are more prone to fear of childbirth compared with primiparas, which poses a great threat to their physical and mental health. However, there is currently limited research on the problem in China. The aim of this study was to assess fear of childbirth and its predictors in repregnant women after cesarean section in China. Methods A cross-sectional multicenter study was conducted in three hospitals from June 7 to December 7, 2020, in Changsha, China. A convenience sampling technique was employed to include participants. Pretested and organized questionnaires were used to collect data. After checking for completeness, data were exported to statistical software for analysis. Both univariate analysis and multiple linear regression analysis were computed to assess fear of childbirth and its predictors. Statistical significance was declared at a P-value of < 0.05. Results A total of 358 repregnant women after cesarean section have participated in this study. The average score of fear of childbirth was 43.76 (standard deviation = 5.27, range 17–58). Number of cesarean sections, experience with previous cesarean section, childbirth self-efficacy and social support were significantly associated with fear of childbirth. Conclusions In this study, repregnant women after cesarean section in China had moderate fear of childbirth, and the number of cesarean sections, experience with previous cesarean section, childbirth self-efficacy and social support were predictors of fear of childbirth. It is important for healthcare professionals to find repregnant women after cesarean section at high risk of fear of childbirth and provide appropriate services during pregnancy.