{
  "abstract": "Objective Ethnic communities provide an appropriate setting for examining patterns of pregnancy and childbirth. Policy-making aimed at improving maternal health will be rendered ineffective in the absence of knowledge and comprehension of the traditions and beliefs associated with childbirth. The objective of this study was to cross-ethnically compare childbirth experiences.Design This research used a cross-sectional methodology and was conducted in 2023. The sampling in the cities of Tabriz (Azeri), Sanandaj (Kurdish), Babol (Mazani), Khorramabad (Lur), Ahvaz (Arab) and Tehran (Fars) was conducted using the cluster random approach. The data collection instruments included questionnaires of sociodemographic and obstetric characteristics and childbirth experience (Childbirth Experience Questionnaire 2.0). In bivariate analysis, a one-way analysis of variance test was employed. In contrast, a general linear model (GLM) was used in multivariate analysis to adjust for the influence of sociodemographic and obstetric characteristics. The data were analysed using SPSS V.24 software. The p value less than 0.05 was considered significant.Setting Health centres in cities with different ethnic groups all over Iran.Participants For this purpose, 1331 women from six ethnic groups who were referred to health centres were selected 4 to 6 weeks after giving vaginal birth.Results The following are the mean (SD) scores (scoring range: 1–4) for the childbirth experiences of the participating women: Azeri 2.31 (0.32), Kurdish 2.14 (0.31), Fars 2.26 (0.42), Mazani 1.93 (0.38), Lur 2.14 (0.4) and Arab 2.06 (0.18). Results from GLM multivariate analysis showed that while Azeri (B: 0.25; 95% CI 0.16 to 0.35; p<0.001), Kurdish (B: 0.10; 95% CI 0.03 to 0.18; p=0.007) and Fars (B: 0.18; 95% CI 0.03 to 0.27; p=0.014) women had significantly higher mean scores for childbirth experience than Arabs (the reference group), women of Mazani ethnicity had significantly lower scores (B: −0.10; 95% CI −0.18 to −0.04; p=0.002).Conclusions Women of different Iranian ethnicities have varying childbirth experiences. Women of Azeri and Fars ethnic groups report higher satisfaction with childbirth than those of others. Mazeni women had the lowest mean scores for having a positive birth experience. To offer compassionate and effective treatment for their patients, healthcare providers must have a deep understanding of cultural diversity.",
  "authors": [
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran (the Islamic Republic of)"
      ],
      "name": "Somayeh Abdolalipour"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Department of Nursing and Midwifery, Sa.C, Islamic Azad University Sanandaj Branch, Sanandaj, Iran (the Islamic Republic of)"
      ],
      "name": "Nikta Tavananezhad"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Ahvaz Jondishapour University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran (the Islamic Republic of)"
      ],
      "name": "Mina Iravani"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Department of Midwifery, Babol University of Medical Science Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Babol, Iran (the Islamic Republic of)"
      ],
      "name": "Fatemeh Bakouei"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran (the Islamic Republic of)"
      ],
      "name": "Fatemeh Janani"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Department of Reproductive Health and Midwifery, Nursing and Midwifery Care Research Center, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran (the Islamic Republic of)"
      ],
      "name": "Azam Mohammadi"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran (the Islamic Republic of)"
      ],
      "name": "Solmaz Ghanbari-Homaie"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran (the Islamic Republic of)"
      ],
      "name": "Mojgan Mirghafourvand"
    }
  ],
  "title": "Childbirth experience among different Iranian ethnic groups: a cross-sectional study",
  "uid": "cacc2336-793e-5a7e-8b28-6d2d9712efe6"
}