The effect of psychoeducation on fear of childbirth and birth type: systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Abstract Objective Psychoeducation is an evidence-based therapeutic intervention for women that provide information, support for a better understanding and coping with fear of childbirth (FOC). Although there have been some studies examining the effects of psychoeducation on FOC and cesarean section (CS), there is no high quality evidence. This systematic review and meta-analysis study aimed to investigate the effects of psychoeducation on FOC and CS rate. Methods Literature research was performed in CINAHL, PubMed, Science Direct, OVID, Medline, Science Citation Index (Web of Science) and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials until April 2018. This study is based on the recommendations of the Cochrane guidelines. The analysis was conducted using the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis Program Version 3. Results Four randomized controlled studies and three non-randomized controlled studies were selected; six studies were combined for FOC and four studies were combined for CS rate. Meta-analysis revealed that psychoeducation is effective in reducing pregnant women s FOC (hedges’ g 0.59, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 0.46–0.72, p\u2009=\u2009.000; 931 women) and the CS rate (Odds Ratio 1.730, 95% CI 1.285–2.330, p\u2009=\u2009.000; 682 women). Conclusion This study provides sufficient evidence that psychoeducation is an effective to reduce FOC and CS rate.