TITLE:
Clusters of Experiences of Childbirth Postnatal Women: A Study in a Japanese Population
AUTHORS:
Megumi Sato
KEYWORDS:
Childbirth Experience, Cluster Analysis, Multidimensional Assessment of Women’s Experiences of Childbirth
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Nursing,
Vol.15 No.7,
July
25,
2025
ABSTRACT: Background: The Japanese version of the Multidimensional Assessment of Women’s Experiences of Childbirth (MAWEC) can be used to evaluate childbirth experiences in all modes of delivery. Identifying clusters of postnatal women based on their perceived childbirth experiences is clinically relevant. Objective: To determine clusters of experiences of postnatal women using the MAWEC. Methods: The MAWEC was distributed to women (n = 759) undergoing obstetric examination in the first month after delivery. A two-step cluster analysis was performed using the scores on the four MAWEC subscales. The validity of these clusters was examined in association with other clinical variables. Results: Two clusters were identified: good and poor childbirth experiences. The latter group had higher rates of Caesarean section, non-rooming-in, and non-breastfeeding than the former group. With the cutoff of the MAWEC total score, the sensitivity and specificity were 0.85 and 0.86, respectively. Conclusion: This study identified a cluster of postnatal women with poorly perceived childbirth experiences who may require professional attention and care.