Journal article
Relationship among fear of childbirth, sexual quality of life, and depression during pregnancy: A cross-sectional study
Women's health, Vol.22, pp.1-9
04/2026
PMID: 42033273
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Abstract
Background: Fear of childbirth (FOC) is a significant psychological concern that can adversely affect maternal wellbeing and childbirth outcomes. While various factors influencing FOC have been investigated, the influence of sexual quality of life (SQOL) has not yet been sufficiently researched.
Objective: This study aimed to examine the relationships among FOC, SQOL, and depression in pregnant women.
Design: A descriptive, cross-sectional study.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 614 low-risk primiparous pregnant women aged 18–35years in Kerman, Iran, between June 2022 and April 2023. Data were collected using the Wijma Delivery Expectancy/Experience Questionnaire Version A, the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, and the Female Sexual Quality of Life Questionnaire. A path analysis was conducted to examine the effects of SQOL, depression, and sociodemographic factors on FOC.
Results: The average age of the mothers was 26.9±4.5 years, and that of the spouses was 29.9±4.2 years. The average gestational age was 35weeks. SQOL was not significantly correlated to FOC. In contrast, FOC was positively associated with depression (p<0.001) and the age of the spouse (p=0.008). The mother’s age (p=0.004) and the presence of chronic diseases (p<0.001) were also significant negative predictors. In addition, maternal age was associated with better SQOL (p=0.022), while depression (p<0.001) and gestational age (p=0.029) were significant negative predictors.
Conclusion: Depression was a significant factor negatively related to both FOC and SQOL. Early detection and timely intervention for depression may reduce fear before labor and improve overall well-being during pregnancy.
Details
- Title
- Relationship among fear of childbirth, sexual quality of life, and depression during pregnancy: A cross-sectional study
- Creators
- Farzaneh Ashrafinia - Kerman University of Medical SciencesJulie Jomeen - Southern Cross UniversitySaiedeh Haji-Maghsoudi - Kerman University of Medical SciencesHui Chen - University of Technology SydneyErika L Kelley - Case Western Reserve UniversityOmolbanin Heydari - Kerman University of Medical SciencesZeinab Mirzaee - Tehran University of Medical Sciences
- Publication Details
- Women's health, Vol.22, pp.1-9
- Publisher
- Sage; LONDON
- Identifiers
- 991013372582402368
- Copyright
- © The Author(s) 2026.
- Academic Unit
- Office of Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic)
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article