Effects of Watson's Human Caring Theory-Based Nursing Care on Fear of Childbirth and Birth Experience

This randomized controlled trial was designed to evaluate the effect of integrating a nursing care program based on Watson's Theory of Human Caring into the childbirth process on mothers' fear of childbirth and childbirth experience.

The study was conducted at a public hospital in Northern Cyprus between May 2024 and March 2025. A total of 30 mothers who experienced uncomplicated vaginal births were enrolled and randomly assigned to either the intervention group (n = 15) or the control group (n = 15).

The control group received routine nursing care, while the intervention group received nursing care structured according to Watson's Theory of Human Caring. The study employed a single-blind design, in which participants were unaware of their group allocation.

Data were collected using the Fear of Childbirth Scale (FOBS) and the Questionnaire for Assessing the Childbirth Experience - Short Version (QACE). These instruments were used to assess fear of childbirth and childbirth experience during labor and the postpartum period.

Statistical analyses were planned to compare outcomes between the intervention and control groups and to examine the effect of theory-based nursing care on fear of childbirth and childbirth experience.

Inclusion criteria

• Pregnant women ≥18 years, at 37-41 weeks of gestation, Pregnant women in the active phase of labor (cervical dilation ≥ 3 cm). Pregnant women who presented with spontaneous labor were directed to vaginal de-livery after physician evaluation.

Pregnant women carrying a single fetus in a vertex presentation. Pregnant women with an estimated fetal weight between 2500 4000 grams. Pregnant women undergo regular uterine contractions characteristic of the active phase.

Pregnant women who are literate in Turkish.

Exclusion criteria

• Pregnant women younger than 18 years. Pregnant women older than 45 years. Pregnant women with multiple pregnancies. Pregnant women with a history of in vitro fertilization (IVF). Pregnant women in the latent phase with cervical dilation < 3 cm. Pregnant women who received spinal, epidural, or general anesthesia during la-bor.

Pregnant women with a previous cesarean section (C/S). Pregnant women with a history of uterine surgery. Pregnant women whose delivery resulted in an emergency cesarean section. Pregnant women diagnosed with a mental disorder. Pregnant women showing signs of tokophobia (clinical fear of childbirth. Pregnant women who were separated from their newborn baby for medical reasons after delivery.

Pregnant women with a history of preeclampsia. Pregnant women with premature rupture of membranes (PROM). Pregnant women with placenta anomalies (placenta previa, placental abruptio, etc.).

Pregnant women with chronic diseases (DM, HT, etc.). Pregnant women with infectious diseases or active infections. Pregnant women with anemia. Pregnant women with fetal macrosomia. Pregnant women with vaginal bleeding. Pregnant women with abnormal vital signs. Pregnant women with presentation anomalies (breech, transverse)