AI Article Synopsis
- Childhood abuse has a notable impact on adult mental health, specifically increasing the fear of childbirth among pregnant women.
- A study involving 2,365 pregnant women in Norway found that 23.9% reported experiencing childhood abuse, with a significant increase in severe fear of childbirth among those with such a history (18% vs. 10%).
- While the association remained strong for first-time mothers (primiparas), it lost significance for those who had given birth before (multiparas), for whom negative past birthing experiences were more determining.
Article Abstract
Background: Childhood abuse affects adult health. The objective of this study was to examine the association between a self-reported history of childhood abuse and fear of childbirth.
Methods: A population-based, cross-sectional study was conducted of 2,365 pregnant women at five obstetrical departments in Norway. We measured childhood abuse using the Norvold Abuse Questionnaire and fear of childbirth using the Wijma Delivery Expectancy Questionnaire. Severe fear of childbirth was defined as a Wijma Delivery Expectancy Questionnaire score of ≥ 85.
Results: Of all women, 566 (23.9%) had experienced any childhood abuse, 257 (10.9%) had experienced emotional abuse, 260 (11%) physical abuse, and 290 (12.3%) sexual abuse. Women with a history of childhood abuse reported severe fear of childbirth significantly more often than those without a history of childhood abuse, 18 percent versus 10 percent (p = 0.001). The association between a history of childhood abuse and severe fear of childbirth remained significant after adjustment for confounding factors for primiparas (adjusted OR: 2.00; 95% CI: 1.30-3.08) but lost its significance for multiparas (adjusted OR: 1.17; 95% CI: 0.76-1.80). The factor with the strongest association with severe fear of childbirth among multiparas was a negative birth experience (adjusted OR: 5.50; 95% CI: 3.77-8.01).
Conclusions: A history of childhood abuse significantly increased the risk of experiencing severe fear of childbirth among primiparas. Fear of childbirth among multiparas was most strongly associated with a negative birth experience.
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| http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1523-536X.2010.00420.x | DOI Listing |
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