Volume 35, Issue 253 (1-2026)
J Mazandaran Univ Med Sci 2026, 35(253): 170-183 |
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Kazemi S, Kiani Z, Pazandeh F, Peymani A. Explaining the Factors Affecting the Vaginal Childbirth Experience of Women in Iran: A Meta-Synthesis Study. J Mazandaran Univ Med Sci 2026; 35 (253) :170-183
URL: http://jmums.mazums.ac.ir/article-1-21469-en.html
URL: http://jmums.mazums.ac.ir/article-1-21469-en.html
Abstract: (54 Views)
Background and purpose: The experience of vaginal childbirth is a multidimensional concept influenced by both physical and psychological factors during labor and childbirth. It is very necessary to identify the factors affecting women’s experiences of vaginal childbirth in Iran, considering the aim of increasing vaginal childbirth and reducing cesarean sections. The purpose of this study is to explain the factors affecting the vaginal childbirth experience.
Materials and methods: This study was conducted based on the PRISMA statement and employed the Noblit and Haar method in six stages. All the qualitative studies conducted on the factors affecting the vaginal childbirth experience in Iran were searched in Persian databases (SID, Google Scholar, Civilica, Irandoc, and Magiran) without year restrictions, using the keywords "birth experience", "vaginal childbirth", and "qualitative study". Additionally, English electronic databases (Web of Science, Science Direct, Scopus, PubMed, Cochrane Library, ProQuest) were searched. The quality of the selected articles was independently assessed by two authors using the COREQ checklist.
Results: In this study, 331 articles were identified; 85 duplicate articles were removed, and 246 articles were screened based on their titles and abstracts. A total of 167 articles were excluded, and the full texts of 79 articles were assessed for analysis. Of these, 63 articles were excluded, and ultimately, 16 articles were included in the study. Based on the results, the factors influencing the experience of vaginal childbirth were categorized into three main themes: empowerment for coping or individual capacity (individual preparedness, acceptance of natural childbirth), paradoxes (advantages and disadvantages of natural childbirth and environmental paradoxes), and standard care (safety, team participation, and support).
Conclusion: Women’s vaginal childbirth experiences can be improved by enhancing individual capacity, enabling participation, and maintaining safety throughout the stages of childbirth with the support of healthcare providers.
Materials and methods: This study was conducted based on the PRISMA statement and employed the Noblit and Haar method in six stages. All the qualitative studies conducted on the factors affecting the vaginal childbirth experience in Iran were searched in Persian databases (SID, Google Scholar, Civilica, Irandoc, and Magiran) without year restrictions, using the keywords "birth experience", "vaginal childbirth", and "qualitative study". Additionally, English electronic databases (Web of Science, Science Direct, Scopus, PubMed, Cochrane Library, ProQuest) were searched. The quality of the selected articles was independently assessed by two authors using the COREQ checklist.
Results: In this study, 331 articles were identified; 85 duplicate articles were removed, and 246 articles were screened based on their titles and abstracts. A total of 167 articles were excluded, and the full texts of 79 articles were assessed for analysis. Of these, 63 articles were excluded, and ultimately, 16 articles were included in the study. Based on the results, the factors influencing the experience of vaginal childbirth were categorized into three main themes: empowerment for coping or individual capacity (individual preparedness, acceptance of natural childbirth), paradoxes (advantages and disadvantages of natural childbirth and environmental paradoxes), and standard care (safety, team participation, and support).
Conclusion: Women’s vaginal childbirth experiences can be improved by enhancing individual capacity, enabling participation, and maintaining safety throughout the stages of childbirth with the support of healthcare providers.
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