Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Ethnic communities provide an appropriate setting for examining patterns of pregnancy and childbirth. Policy-making aimed at improving maternal health will be rendered ineffective in the absence of knowledge and comprehension of the traditions and beliefs associated with childbirth. The objective of this study was to cross-ethnically compare childbirth experiences. DESIGN: This research used a cross-sectional methodology and was conducted in 2023. The sampling in the cities of Tabriz (Azeri), Sanandaj (Kurdish), Babol (Mazani), Khorramabad (Lur), Ahvaz (Arab) and Tehran (Fars) was conducted using the cluster random approach. The data collection instruments included questionnaires of sociodemographic and obstetric characteristics and childbirth experience (Childbirth Experience Questionnaire 2.0). In bivariate analysis, a one-way analysis of variance test was employed. In contrast, a general linear model (GLM) was used in multivariate analysis to adjust for the influence of sociodemographic and obstetric characteristics. The data were analysed using SPSS V.24 software. The p value less than 0.05 was considered significant. SETTING: Health centres in cities with different ethnic groups all over Iran. PARTICIPANTS: For this purpose, 1331 women from six ethnic groups who were referred to health centres were selected 4 to 6 weeks after giving vaginal birth. RESULTS: The following are the mean (SD) scores (scoring range: 1-4) for the childbirth experiences of the participating women: Azeri 2.31 (0.32), Kurdish 2.14 (0.31), Fars 2.26 (0.42), Mazani 1.93 (0.38), Lur 2.14 (0.4) and Arab 2.06 (0.18). Results from GLM multivariate analysis showed that while Azeri (B: 0.25; 95% CI 0.16 to 0.35; p<0.001), Kurdish (B: 0.10; 95% CI 0.03 to 0.18; p=0.007) and Fars (B: 0.18; 95% CI 0.03 to 0.27; p=0.014) women had significantly higher mean scores for childbirth experience than Arabs (the reference group), women of Mazani ethnicity had significantly lower scores (B: -0.10; 95% CI -0.18 to -0.04; p=0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Women of different Iranian ethnicities have varying childbirth experiences. Women of Azeri and Fars ethnic groups report higher satisfaction with childbirth than those of others. Mazeni women had the lowest mean scores for having a positive birth experience. To offer compassionate and effective treatment for their patients, healthcare providers must have a deep understanding of cultural diversity.