The Association Between Women's Perception of Birth During the Pandemic, Companion of Choice and Support From Health Professionals: A Cross-Sectional Study in 20 Countries in the WHO European Region
Publisher
Wiley
Journal
Birth: Issues in Perinatal Care
ISSN
0730-7659
Date Issued
2025-03-05
Author(s)
Batram-Zantvoort Stephanie
Miani, Céline
Mariani, Ilaria
Pessa Valente Emanuelle
Zaigham, Mehreen
Nedberg Ingvild Hersoug
Kurbanović, Magdalena
Ārgale, Elizabete
Bohinec, Anja
Sarantaki, Antigone
Baranowska, Barbara
Abderhalden, Alessia
De La Rochebrochard Elise
Costa, Raquel
Ruxandra Otelea, Marina
Liepinaitienė, Alina
Radetic, Jelena
Ćerimagić, Amira
Arendt, Maryse
König-bachmann Martina
Delle Vedove Stefano
Linden, Karolina
Kongslien, Sigrun
Drandić, Daniela
Darta Kreslina
Drglin, Zalka
Metallinou Dr Dimitra
Tataj-puzyna Urszula
Gemperle, Michael
Rozée, Virginie
Heloísa Dias
Mizgaitienė, Marija
Ruzicic, Jovana
Fumagalli, Simona
Elden, Helen
Vik Eline Skirnisdottir
Mihevc Ponikvar Barbara
Avramioti Lykeridou Aikaterini
Szlendak, Beata
De Labrusse Claire
Pinto Tiago Miguel
Jazdauskienė, Simona
Zenzmaier, Christoph
Ilana Chertok
Sacks, Emma
Lazzerini, Marzia
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Background
Mitigation measures implemented in response to the COVID‐19 pandemic led to significant changes in maternity care across Europe, including restrictions on companions during labor and birth. This cross‐sectional study explores the association between the presence of a companion of choice and a positive perception of the birth experience. Additionally, it explores the association between health professionals' attention, assistance, and availability during labor and birth and a positive perception of birth.
Methods
We utilized a structured, validated online questionnaire, available in 25 languages, to assess the quality of maternal care during the COVID‐19 pandemic from women's perspectives. We conducted logistic regression to explore associations between variables related to the presence of a companion of choice, health professionals' attention, assistance, and availability, and positive perceptions of birth, when controlled for confounders, including birth mode and medical interventions.
Results
Responses from 48,039 women across 20 countries in the WHO European Region were included. Always having a companion of choice during birth (aOR: 2.11) and always receiving adequate care from health professionals (assistance aOR: 2.12, attention aOR: 36.64, availability aOR: 2.12) were associated with positive birth perception. Instrumental births (aOR: 0.76), episiotomies (aOR: 0.74), fundal pressure (aOR: 0.52), and cesarean births (planned aOR: 0.80, unplanned prelabor aOR: 0.60, unplanned in‐labor aOR: 0.52) were associated with less positive birth perceptions.
Discussion
This study highlights the critical role of having a chosen companion and receiving adequate attention, assistance, and availability from health professionals in promoting positive birth perceptions, even in times of crisis such as the COVID‐19 pandemic. Ensuring the presence of a companion of choice and comprehensive professional support is crucial for delivering high‐quality, respectful maternity care.
Background
Mitigation measures implemented in response to the COVID‐19 pandemic led to significant changes in maternity care across Europe, including restrictions on companions during labor and birth. This cross‐sectional study explores the association between the presence of a companion of choice and a positive perception of the birth experience. Additionally, it explores the association between health professionals' attention, assistance, and availability during labor and birth and a positive perception of birth.
Methods
We utilized a structured, validated online questionnaire, available in 25 languages, to assess the quality of maternal care during the COVID‐19 pandemic from women's perspectives. We conducted logistic regression to explore associations between variables related to the presence of a companion of choice, health professionals' attention, assistance, and availability, and positive perceptions of birth, when controlled for confounders, including birth mode and medical interventions.
Results
Responses from 48,039 women across 20 countries in the WHO European Region were included. Always having a companion of choice during birth (aOR: 2.11) and always receiving adequate care from health professionals (assistance aOR: 2.12, attention aOR: 36.64, availability aOR: 2.12) were associated with positive birth perception. Instrumental births (aOR: 0.76), episiotomies (aOR: 0.74), fundal pressure (aOR: 0.52), and cesarean births (planned aOR: 0.80, unplanned prelabor aOR: 0.60, unplanned in‐labor aOR: 0.52) were associated with less positive birth perceptions.
Discussion
This study highlights the critical role of having a chosen companion and receiving adequate attention, assistance, and availability from health professionals in promoting positive birth perceptions, even in times of crisis such as the COVID‐19 pandemic. Ensuring the presence of a companion of choice and comprehensive professional support is crucial for delivering high‐quality, respectful maternity care.
Type
Wissenschaftlicher Artikel