Adlah M. Hamlan
Mu’tah University, Jordan
Title: Childbirth locus of control beliefs among Jordanian women
Biography
Biography: Adlah M. Hamlan
Abstract
Childbirth is a unique individualized event that women experience during their transition to motherhood. Women have different locus of control beliefs regarding their role during the childbirth process, The purpose of the study was to assess the childbirth locus of control beliefs and to identify the predictors of these beliefs among Jordanian primigravida women. The study is part of prospective correlation study. Convenience sampling was used to recruit 180 low risk pregnant women. Data were collected through self report questionnaire by using the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scales-Labor and Delivery (MHLC-LD). The results of this study showed that women reported high total mean score for Powerful-other expected control subscales as the total mean score was 22.0 ± 2.5 with a total score ranged from 11 to 24. For the Internal expected control beliefs subscale, the women reported total mean score of 16.6 ± 3.6 with a total score ranged from 5 to 24. The Chance Control beliefs subscales had total mean score of 13.5 ± 5.3 with a total score ranged from 4 to 24. By using Step wise linear multiple regression, employment status and receiving information were predictors of powerful other beliefs (R² =.07, p<.05). The findings of this study revealed that the women reported limited beliefs in their ability to have role during childbirth process. The study findings supported the need of strategies to empower the women to pass through childbirth experience.