Gynecology World Conference 2026

Abstract

Background: Fear of childbirth (FOC) is a critical maternal health concern that affects intrapartum care, maternal decision-making and neonatal outcomes. Understanding its prevalence and determinants is vital for designing interventions that enhance respectful maternity care and improve childbirth experiences.

Objectives: This review aimed to determine the pooled prevalence of fear of childbirth and to identify associated factors among pregnant women in Ethiopia.

Methods: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis following the PRISMA guidelines. Relevant studies were retrieved from PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Google Scholar, and African Journals Online. The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) tool was used for quality appraisal. Data were analyzed using STATA version 17, and a random-effects model was employed to estimate pooled prevalence. Heterogeneity was assessed using I² statistics.

Results: Four studies with a total of 1,610 participants were included. The pooled prevalence of fear of childbirth among Ethiopian pregnant women was 24.8% (95% CI: 22.6–27.0). Major factors significantly associated with FOC included unplanned pregnancy (AOR 4.1, 95% CI: 0.9–9.2), poor social support (AOR 1.7, 95% CI: 0.5–2.8), and a history of pregnancy complications (AOR 8.2, 95% CI: 2.6–13.0). No significant heterogeneity or publication bias was detected across studies.

Conclusions: Nearly one in four women experiences fear of childbirth, with unplanned pregnancies, inadequate social support, and prior pregnancy complications as key determinants. It strongly linked to intrapartum care experiences. To address this, healthcare providers should focus on individualized psychological support for women who experience fear of childbirth. Furthermore, encouraging comprehensive antenatal care, integrating psychosocial support into intrapartum care and strengthening social networks can reduce the fear of childbirth and promote maternal well-being.