NCT07496879

QR-Based Virtual Tour and Childbirth Outcomes

The Effect of a QR Code-Based Virtual Tour of the Delivery Room on Fear of Childbirth, Childbirth Readiness, Vaginal Birth Rate, and Postpartum Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy in Primiparous Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial

• Status: Enrolling By Invitation
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 100 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Ataturk University · Academic / Other
• Sex: Female
• Age: 18 Years – 45 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

Summary

Childbirth is a unique experience that affects maternal health physiologically, emotionally, and socially, and represents a crucial step in the transition to motherhood. Primiparous women often experience fear related to childbirth due to uncertainty about the process, pain, or possible complications. This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effect of a QR code-based virtual tour of the delivery room on primiparous women's fear of childbirth, childbirth readiness, vaginal birth rate, and postpartum breastfeeding self-efficacy. Participants will be provided access to three virtual videos via QR codes, allowing them to explore the delivery room, understand the admission process, and learn about postpartum care. The study will assess outcomes using validated scales for childbirth fear, prenatal readiness, birth-related self-efficacy, and postpartum breastfeeding. By familiarizing participants with the delivery environment, this intervention aims to reduce fear, improve confidence and preparedness, and encourage vaginal delivery. The findings are expected to inform strategies to enhance maternal experiences, support national initiatives such as the Normal Birth Action Plan, and contribute to safer, more satisfying birth and breastfeeding outcomes.

Detailed description

Childbirth is a unique experience that affects maternal health physiologically, emotionally, and socially, serving as a significant step in the transition to motherhood. Primiparous women, in particular, often experience fear during pregnancy due to both their anticipation of holding their baby and concerns about the challenges and difficulties they may face during labor. Studies show that fear of childbirth is higher in primiparous women compared to multiparous women and can cause emotional and psychological distress in daily life. The main causes of fear of childbirth include lack of knowledge about the labor process, inability to tolerate pain, panic, lack of trust in healthcare providers, doubt in vaginal delivery, fear of interventions such as episiotomy or laceration, and concerns about the health of the baby or mother. Additionally, negative birth stories shared in social environments can increase anxiety. Research indicates that preparation for childbirth can reduce fear and increase active participation in the labor process. When women feel psychologically and physiologically prepared, they are more likely to have a positive birth experience. Furthermore, childbirth self-efficacy-confidence in the ability to cope with labor pain and achieve vaginal birth-is directly associated with birth outcomes. Higher self-efficacy increases perceived control, reduces the need for surgical interventions, and improves postpartum satisfaction. This study aims to evaluate the effect of a QR code-based virtual tour of the delivery room on childbirth fear, birth readiness, vaginal birth rates, and postpartum breastfeeding self-efficacy in primiparous women. Participants between 28 and 40 weeks of gestation will be provided with a three-step virtual tour: (1) Admission and Interventions in the Delivery Room, (2) Virtual Visit of the Labor and TDL Rooms, and (3) Postpartum Care and Breastfeeding Education. Access to the videos will be provided through separate QR codes for each session. The study will employ a randomized controlled design. The intervention group will watch the QR code-based videos, and pre-test and post-test measurements will be conducted. The control group will not receive any intervention, and parallel measurements will be taken. Measurement tools include the Wijma Delivery Expectancy/Experience Questionnaire (W-DEQ) Version A, Prenatal Self-Assessment Scale - Birth Readiness Subscale, Self-Efficacy for Normal Birth Scale, Birth Beliefs Scale (BBS), Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale (BSES), and Revised Birth Satisfaction Scale (BSS-R). It is expected that the intervention will reduce fear of childbirth, improve birth readiness and self-efficacy, increase vaginal birth rates, and enhance postpartum breastfeeding satisfaction among primiparous women. Additionally, the study aims to provide an innovative and sustainable model that can contribute to the effectiveness of national initiatives such as Normal Birth Action Plans, Midwifery Clinics, and Antenatal Classes. The study population consists of primigravida women aged 18-45 attending the Midwifery Clinic at Erzurum City Hospital. The sample size was determined as 100 participants using a priori power analysis and randomly assigned to the intervention and control groups.

Conditions

• Fear of Childbirth
• Primiparous Women
• Vaginal Birth Rate
• Childbirth Readiness

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
BEHAVIORAL	Virtual Delivery Room Tour via QR Codes	Three short videos via QR codes on admission, labor room, and postpartum care.

Timeline

• Start date: 2026-01-01
• Primary completion: 2026-03-31
• Completion: 2026-05-31
• First posted: 2026-03-27
• Last updated: 2026-03-27

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Turkey (Türkiye)