Abstract

COSTA, R. et al. Experience and Satisfaction with Childbirth Questionnaire (QESP). Psic., Saúde & Doenças [online]. 2004, vol.5, n.2, pp.159-187. ISSN 1645-0086.

This study presents the construction and reliability of the "Experience and Satisfaction with Childbirth Questionnaire" (QESP) to evaluate the childbirth's experience and the mother's satisfaction (concerns, emotions, relaxation, available care and conditions, pain, satisfaction and confirmation of previous expectations, as well as the support by significant others). QESP was administered to a sample of 306 mothers in the 5 days after delivery, 103 participants also answered the questionnaire and the Edinburgh Post-Natal Depression Scale (EPDS) 3 month after childbirth. Hierarchical Clusters Analyses aloud us to identify 8 sub-scales composing the questionnaire: (1) conditions and care provided, (2) positive experience, (3) negative experience, (4) relaxation, (5) social support, (6) partner's support, (7) concerns, (8) postpartum. The psychometric study indicates that QESP is reliable (Test-retest=.58) and has a very good internal consistency (Alpha de Cronbach=.90 and Split-Half=.68) as well as good predictive validation regarding the posterior occurrence of postpartum depression. Because this instrument enable us to identify less positive childbirth experiences, that may create difficulties in postnatal adjustment, we consider it to be useful for health professionals and researchers interested in the reproductive health.

Keywords : Psychological assessment; Psychometric studie; Satisfaction with childbirth.

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