Attitudes, beliefs, and significant others influencing the expectant woman's participation in childbirth education classes

The purpose of this study was to identify the attitude, beliefs and significant others influencing the expectant woman's participation in childbirth education classes. A survey of convenience sample (N = 36) was conducted at local military facility in the Salt Lake valley. The expectant women completed a three-part questionnaire, which measured the components of the Ajzen/Fisbein model, while waiting for their clinic appointments. Data were analyzed using multiple regression techniques. Expectant women in the studied population held general positive attitudes and beliefs regarding participation in childbirth education classes. They viewed childbirth classes as a means of acquiring knowledge and skill that would aid them in their labor experiences. Attitudes regarding childbirth education classes were found to be the strongest predictors of the behavioral intention to participate in childbirth education classes. Husbands were found to be the most influential "others." Expectant woman perceived health care professionals as having positive attitude regarding class attendance.