Influence of Social Media on Pregnant Women’s Stress, Attitude and Fear toward Choice of Delivery Mode

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Lecturer of Woman Health and Obstetric Nursing, Faculty of Nursing-Minia University, Egypt.

2 Lecturer of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing-Minia University, Egypt.

Abstract

Background: Pregnant women utilize the social networking sites and internet to complete some of pregnancy-related chores and to aid in making decisions about their pregnancy and delivery. Aim: current study is designed to evaluate the influence of social media on pregnant women’s stress, attitude, and fear toward choice of delivery mode. Research design: descriptive cross-sectional research design was used. Setting: participants completed a one-time survey via Google Forms. Sample: 250 expectant mothers of varied gestational ages participated in the study. Tools: includes structured interviewing questionnaire, social media questionnaire, pregnancy worries and stress questionnaire, attitude towards mode of delivery, and fear of childbirth questionnaire. Results: fifty percent of the participants often utilized Facebook, whereas more than two-thirds turned to alternative techniques, such as a medical specialist. Overall social media score was positively associated with pregnancy worries and stress, childbirth fear, as well as attitude towards delivery mode. Conclusion: More than half of the participants reported moderate pregnancy worries and stress as well as moderate childbirth fear. However, more over three-quarters had a fair attitude towards delivery mode. Recommendations: Techniques for overcoming labor and childbirth fear, as well as birthing counseling on the fundamentals of labor and delivery preparation were suggested. 

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