Melike Punduk YILMAZ, Iclal Ilknur OZDEMIR, Berivan GUZELBAG, Ali CETIN
The Medical Bulletin of Haseki - 2026;64(2):116-121
Aim: Childbirth self-efficacy is a critical psychological variable that influences birth outcomes and maternal well-being; however, its exact predictors among nulliparous women remain underinvestigated. This research aimed to outline variables that affect self-efficacy for vaginal delivery among nulliparous women, with a specific interest in the effects of birth belief systems. Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted between February and July 2025 among nulliparous women receiving prenatal care. Validated measures, such as the Birth Beliefs Scale (medical process and natural process subscales) and the Self-efficacy Regarding Vaginal Birth Scale, were used for data collection. Predictors of vaginal birth self-efficacy were determined using hierarchical multiple regression and structural equation modeling. Results: Two hundred and eighty nulliparous women were included in the study. Self-efficacy was negatively related to medical process beliefs (b=-0.168, p<0.01) but positively related to natural process beliefs (b=0.154, p<0.01). The regression model accounted for 18.7% of the variance in self-efficacy [F(6,273)=10.47, p<0.001]. Other important predictors were planned delivery approach, pregnancy experience rating, education level, and spousal support. Conclusion: Birth belief systems are the first psychological predictors of vaginal birth self-efficacy in women in their first pregnancy. To help prevent low self-efficacy, healthcare providers should consider adopting screening procedures to identify women whose belief patterns are linked to low self-efficacy.
