Effects of the web-based birth preparation programme and motivational interviews on primigravida women: Randomized-controlled study

AimThis study aimed to identify the effects of a web-based birth preparation programme based on the Health Belief Model and supported by motivational interviews on fear of childbirth, self-efficacy and the labour process in primigravida women.MethodsThe study was conducted in a single-blind, randomized controlled design with 73 pregnant women. The Birth Health Belief Scale, the Wijma Delivery Expectation/Experience Questionnaire A-B, the Childbirth Self-efficacy Scale and the Labour Process Assessment forms were used to collect data. Five sessions of motivational interviews were held with the pregnant women in the experimental group, while those in the control group were administered placebo education.ResultsFear of birth was lower, and the birth self-efficacy total score was higher in the experimental group. None of the groups indicated significant differences in terms of their mode of delivery.ConclusionHealth Belief Model-based web-based birth preparation programme and motivational interviews were found to reduce the fear of birth, increase self-efficacy and positively affect the birth process in primigravida women. What is already known about this topic?Caesarean delivery is an important health problem that is common all over the world.Fear of childbirth and low self-efficacy are two important reasons for the increase in the frequency of caesarean section rates.Nurses can make important contributions to the prevention of optional caesarean birth by providing women with health education.What this paper adds?The web-based birth preparation programme based on the Health Belief Model and motivational interview decreased fear of birth and improved attitudes and behaviours towards vaginal delivery by increasing health beliefs and birth self-efficacy.The implications of this paper:This study brings a new perspective, indicating that a birth preparation programme based on the Health Belief Model and supported by motivational interviews with primigravida women is an effective method of preventing elective caesarean delivery.It is recommended that nurses use web-based training tools and conduct cognitive behavioural strategies in antenatal classes.