Induced and Spontaneous Labor Education: Evaluation, Knowledge, and Intent to Discuss Options in Pregnant Women

Labor inductions are increasing worldwide, with rates continuing to rise each year. Currently 30% of labors in the United States result from inductions. The purpose of the study was to examine the effect of an educational intervention about induced and spontaneous labor on knowledge and intent to discuss options with health providers in pregnant women. This study was guided by the health-belief model which explains that people’s beliefs about how a health care decision may affect their lives affect how they make the decisions. This study was conducted using a quantitative and descriptive design with pre and post paper and pencil survey data collection. Thirty women participated in the study; approximately 73% of subjects were 25-34 years old, approximately 93% were white with 7% black. The educational class was conducted by childbirth educators. Approximately 96% of women agreed and strongly agreed that the information provided by the childbirth class was unbiased. Approximately 96% of women agreed and strongly agreed that the educational material regarding induced and spontaneous labor was easy to understand. Approximately 97% of women agreed and strongly agreed that they felt more prepared to make a decision regarding labor options. Approximately 55% agreed and strongly agreed that they were intending to ask their health care provider for more information. Overall, women felt more prepared to make labor decisions after attending the childbirth education class, felt they were provided unbiased information, and intended to seek more information regarding their labor options