NCT07321457

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

Effects of Watson's Human Caring Theory-Based Nursing Care on Fear of Childbirth and Birth Experience: A Randomized Controlled Trial

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 30 (actual)
• Sponsor: Near East University, Turkey · Academic / Other
• Sex: Female
• Age: 18 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

Summary

The purpose of this clinical trial was 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 among women who had uncomplicated vaginal births. The study aimed to examine whether nursing care structured according to Watson's Theory of Human Caring differed from routine nursing care in terms of fear of childbirth and childbirth experience during labor. Researchers compared an intervention group, which received Watson's Theory-based nursing care, with a control group, which received routine nursing care, using standardized assessment tools. Participants: Received either nursing care based on Watson's Theory of Human Caring or routine nursing care during labor Completed the Fear of Childbirth Scale (FOBS) and the Questionnaire for Assessing Childbirth Experience (QACE) Were monitored and assessed throughout the labor process

Detailed description

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.

Conditions

• Fear of Childbirth
• Childbirth Experience

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
BEHAVIORAL	Intervention Group: Watson's Human Caring Theory-Based Nursing Care	Mothers in the intervention group received nursing care based on Watson's Human Caring Theory during labor. This care included individualized emotional support, therapeutic communication, and other nursing interventions designed to reduce fear of childbirth and enhance overall birth experience. The program was specifically tailored to each mother's needs, distinguishing it from routine nursing care provided in standard labor management.
BEHAVIORAL	Routine Nursing Care	Mothers in the control group received routine nursing care during labor. No additional interventions based on Watson's Human Caring Theory were administered. This care followed standard hospital procedures for labor and delivery, without any individualized behavioral or supportive programs.

Timeline

• Start date: 2024-07-08
• Primary completion: 2025-03-15
• Completion: 2025-03-15
• First posted: 2026-01-07
• Last updated: 2026-01-07

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Cyprus