Fear of childbirth: Validation study of the Chinese version of Wijma delivery expectancy / experience questionnaire version B

Abstract

Introduction: Fear of childbirth has a significant impact on women's well-being post-birth. It can affect the women's relationships, future reproductive choices, and their decision on their future mode of birth. The Wijma Delivery Expectancy/Experience Questionnaire (Version B) is a comprehensive instrument for the assessment of postnatal fear of childbirth. Methods: Hong Kong Chinese women at a postnatal ward of a tertiary hospital completed the translated questionnaire, Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale, and State-trait Anxiety Inventory. Exploratory factor analysis was performed. Pearson's correlation between the Wijma Delivery Expectancy/Experience Questionnaire (Version B) and the State-trait Anxiety Inventory or Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale scores were used to determine the convergent validity. Cronbach's alpha coefficient and intraclass correlation coefficient were used to determine the reliability of the translated Wijma Delivery Expectancy/Experience Questionnaire (Version B). Results: 136 postnatal mothers completed the study. 21.3% of women experienced fear of childbirth using the standard cut-off of 85/165. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient and test-retest reliability of the Chinese version were 0.910 and 0.741 respectively. Convergent validity was demonstrated with other psychological measures at expected moderate levels. Exploratory factor analysis revealed 4 factors. Conclusion: The Chinese version of the Wijma Delivery Expectancy/Experience Questionnaire (Version B) is a valid and reliable instrument to measure fear of childbirth amongst Chinese postpartum women. The questionnaire can be used to assess the severity of women's fear throughout their postpartum period, and to monitor the response of any medical or psychological interventions for women experiencing postnatal fear of childbirth.