Factors associated with women's satisfaction during labor

Labor is a critical time for women and newborns. Every day in 2017, approximately 810 women
died from preventable causes related to pregnancy and childbirth. Many studies revealed that labor
care satisfaction is a critical point of intervention to eliminate the high maternal mortality rate. Thus,
the Aim of this research was to assess factors associated with women's satisfaction during labor. A
descriptive research design was utilized. A convenience sample of 384 women in labor was chosen
from El-Shatby Maternity Hospital affiliated to Alexandria University. Tools: A socio-demographic
and reproductive history interview schedule and the Birth Satisfaction Scale (BSS) were used.
Results: the study revealed that 57% of the studied women had low satisfaction level. Significant
correlations (0.01) were observed among satisfaction level and age, education, occupation, income
and residence. Significant correlations (0.01) were observed among satisfaction level and number of
gravidity, parity, abortion and type of delivery. Conclusion: more than half (57 %) of the study
subjects had low satisfaction level. Many factors were associated with women's satisfaction during
labor especially elect the place of birth, birth environment, sufficient support, staff communication,
coping during labor, feeling in control, preparation for childbirth, relationship with baby and stress
experienced during labor. Those factors are important indicators to improve women satisfaction
during labor experience. Recommendation: midwifery care staff need to fully understand woman's
expectations for their care, and provide care that is consistent with those expectations.