A systematic review of clinical trials affecting anxiety, stress and fear of childbirth in expectant fathers

Abstract

Abstract Aim To investigate clinical trials affecting anxiety, stress and fear of childbirth in fathers. Design A systematic literature search was conducted based on Cochrane Collaboration statement recommendation and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta‐Analyses checklist. Methods With assistance of Medical Subject Headings, keywords were employed to search for relevant trials. Articles published between November 2000–November 2019 were searched in five electronic databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Scopus and Cochrane as well as Iranian databases. The risk of bias was assessed by Cochrane Risk of Bias Scale. Results A total of eight studies met the inclusion criteria. Interventions were classified into four categories including pre‐natal education, music therapy, massage therapy and relaxation training. The results showed that there is no evidence of a best intervention, but it showed that non‐pharmacological interventions can decrease anxiety, stress and fear of childbirth and increase the positive experience of childbirth in the expectant fathers.

Keywords

• anxiety
• childbirth
• fathers
• fear
• nurses
• nursing