The Effect of Podcast Training on Birth Fear in Couples

Not Applicable

• Conditions: Pregnancy; Birth Fear

• Registration Number: NCT06929975
• Lead Sponsor: Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa

Brief Summary

Birth fear refers to intense feelings of anxiety, fear, and worry regarding the childbirth process, often arising from concerns about physical pain, complications, or uncertainty about the baby's health. Many women experience this fear during pregnancy, which, in some cases, may develop into a clinical condition known as tokophobia . Birth fear can increase stress levels, disrupting the mother's hormonal balance, which may prolong labor, increase the risk of complications, and negatively impact fetal development. Additionally, it can lead to issues such as loss of self-confidence, anxiety, and depression in the mother, while causing communication problems and lack of support between partners. Birth fear affects not only the labor process but also the postpartum period, potentially leading to postpartum depression, trauma, and difficulties in mother-infant bonding. All these factors can adversely impact the psychosocial well-being of both women and couples. Therefore, it is crucial to develop interventions aimed at recognizing and reducing birth fear.

Detailed Description

Podcasts, with their accessibility, low cost, and user-friendly structure, allow individuals to access health-related information more easily and personalize the educational process, making it more effective. These factors make podcasts a valuable tool, especially in areas that require emotional and cognitive intervention, such as birth fear. While birth fear is a significant psychological factor influencing the anxiety of women and their partners regarding the childbirth process, there are limited intervention-focused studies targeting couples in this area. Although various methods have been proposed in the literature to reduce birth fear, data on the effectiveness of digital educational tools like podcasts in this domain is insufficient. This research aims to fill an important gap by evaluating the effect of a podcast series on birth fear in couples. The purpose of this study is to examine how a podcast series focused on birth fear impacts birth fear, anxiety, and postpartum depression in couples.

Study Timeline

• Status Verified: 2025-04
• Study Start: 2025-04-07
• Study First Submitted: 2025-04-08
• Study First Submitted QC: 2025-04-08
• Study First Posted: 2025-04-16
• Last Update Submitted: 2025-05-06
• Last Update Posted: 2025-05-09
• Primary Completion: 2025-12-07
• Study Completion: 2025-12-30

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: ENROLLING_BY_INVITATION
• Sex: Female
• Target Recruitment: 50

Inclusion Criteria

19-35 years old married primiparous 2nd trimester pregnant women

Exclusion Criteria

Pregnant women with risky pregnancies illiteracy problems with internet access visual and hearing impairment

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Wijma Delivery Expectancy Questionnaire (W-DEQ)	8 month	This scale measures fear and expectations related to childbirth. Form A focuses on measuring fear of childbirth during pregnancy, while Form B assesses the postpartum process. The W-DEQ-A Form consists of 33 items. Low fear and anxiety are scored between 33-55 points, moderate fear and anxiety between 56-80 points, and high fear and anxiety between 81-165 points. It has three subscales: "Fear and Anxiety of Childbirth," "Expectations Regarding Childbirth," and "Emotional Responses to the Birth Process."; The W-DEQ-B Form consists of 14 items across three subscales: "Fear of Childbirth," "Physical Reactions," and "Psychological Reactions." Low fear is scored between 14-28 points, moderate fear between 29-49 points, and high fear between 50-70 points.

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Tilburg Pregnancy Distress Scale:	8 month	This scale is used to determine the psychological stress and anxiety levels experienced during pregnancy. It measures individuals' negative feelings and thoughts regarding the pregnancy process. The scale is assessed through three subscales: "Emotional Distress," "Physical Distress," and "Social Support and Relationships." The total score reflects the intensity of the psychological and physical distress experienced by the individual during pregnancy. The total score determines the personal stress level. A score between 25-40 indicates low stress, between 41-60 indicates moderate stress, and a score of 61 and above indicates high stress.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Ağrı Training and Research Hospital; 🇹🇷 Ağrı, Turkey