Knowledge and preparation of pregnant women for childbirth

Trudnoća predstavlja jedinstveno iskustvo u životu svake žene, obilježeno očekivanjima, nadama, i povremeno, strahovima. Očekivanje dolaska novog života donosi sa sobom mnoga pitanja i izazove, a proces poroda, koji je prirodni slijed trudnoće, može biti izvor nesigurnosti i tjeskobe. Kako bi se osjećale sigurnije i spremnije za taj važan trenutak, trudnice trebaju posjedovati odgovarajuće znanje i informacije. Cilj ovog istraživanja bio je analizirati razinu znanja i pripremljenosti žena za porod, uzimajući u obzir njihove sociodemografske karakteristike i izvore informacija. Istraživanje je provedeno putem anonimne ankete koja je sadržavala pitanja o dobi, obrazovanju, mjestu stanovanja, bračnom statusu te detaljna pitanja o njihovom znanju i pripremi za porod. U istraživanju je sudjelovalo ukupno 220 žena s područja Republike Hrvatske. Prikupljeni podaci statistički su obrađeni u programu Microsoft Excel. Sudionice istraživanja većinom su bile u dobi između 26 i 30 godina (38,2%) te su većinom imale završenu srednju stručnu spremu (36,8%). Najveći broj živio je u gradskim područjima (65,5%), a većina je bila u braku (73,2%). Rezultati istraživanja pokazali su da većina žena ima dobro znanje o trudnoći i porodu te se osjećaju pripremljeno za porođaj. Također, većina je pohađala trudničke tečajeve i osjećala podršku od medicinskog osoblja i partnera. Istraživanje je ukazalo na pozitivan trend u znanju i pripremi trudnica za porod. Međutim, postoje i one koje osjećaju strah i nesigurnost, što ukazuje na potrebu za pružanjem dodatne podrške i informacija. Posjedovanje odgovarajućih informacija i dobra pripremljenost žena za porod od suštinskog je značaja za poboljšanje ishoda porođaja i dobrobiti majki i novorođenčadi.Pregnancy is a unique experience in every woman's life, marked by expectations, hopes, and occasionally, fears. Expecting the arrival of a new life brings with it many questions and challenges, and the birth process, which is a natural sequence of pregnancy, can be a source of uncertainty and anxiety. In order to feel safer and more prepared for that important moment, pregnant women should have adequate knowledge and information. The aim of this research was to analyze the level of knowledge and preparation of women for childbirth, taking into account their sociodemographic characteristics and sources of information. The research was conducted through an anonymous survey that included questions about age, education, place of residence, marital status, and detailed questions about their knowledge and preparation for childbirth. A total of 220 women from the Republic of Croatia participated in the research. The collected data were statistically processed in the Microsoft Excel program. The research participants were mostly between the ages of 26 and 30 (38.2%) and most had completed secondary education (36.8%). The largest number lived in urban areas (65.5%), and most were married (73.2%). The results of the research showed that most women have good knowledge about pregnancy and childbirth and feel prepared for childbirth. Also, most attended pregnancy courses and felt supported by medical staff and partners. The research indicated a positive trend in the knowledge and preparation of pregnant women for childbirth. However, there are also those who feel fear and insecurity, which indicates the need for providing additional support and information. Having adequate information and good preparation of women for childbirth is essential for improving the outcome of childbirth and the well-being of mothers and newborns