Self-efficacy beliefs and fear of childbirth in nulliparous women.

OBJECTIVE: To explore how childbirth self-efficacy, i.e. outcome expectancy and efficacy expectancy, was associated with fear of childbirth (FOC) and how efficacy expectancy and FOC, respectively were related to socio-demographic characteristics, mental problems and preference for a caesarean section. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, a consecutive sample of 1000 pregnant nulliparous women was sent the Wijma Delivery Expectancy Questionnaire and Childbirth Self-Efficacy Inventory. Statistical analyses were performed on data from 423 women. RESULTS: Outcome expectancy and efficacy expectancy correlated significantly and positively, FOC correlated significantly and negatively with both outcome expectancy and efficacy expectancy. Women with severe FOC (20.8%) had a significantly lower level of education (p = 0.001), and had more often sought help because of mental problems (p = 0.004). They were more likely to have low-efficacy expectancy (p < 0.001) and to prefer a caesarean section instead of a vaginal birth (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Lower efficacy expectancy was associated with higher FOC while preference for a caesarean section was not. Improvement of self-efficacy could be a part of care for women with FOC during pregnancy; however, it would not be enough for fearful women who wish to have a caesarean section.

Reference values for the Quality of Life Index in the general Swedish population 18-80 years of age.

PURPOSE: The aim in the present study was to establish underlying dimensions of quality of life in Sweden, measured by QLI, and to obtain reference values among a representative sample between 18 and 80 years of age from the general Swedish population. METHOD: A total of 1,680 randomly selected persons completed the questionnaire (57% response rate). All data were coded and entered into the statistical software. Factor analysis, maximum-likelihood method with oblique rotation, was employed to explore and reveal underlying dimensions of the QLI. To describe QLI total and subscale reference values for different age groups and men and women, respectively, means and 95% CI as well as medians and quartiles were used. For comparisons related to demographic and background variables, parametric and non-parametric analyses were used (alpha=0.01). All data were analysed using SPSS 14.0 statistical software. RESULTS: Four underlying dimensions emerged: Family and friends, Health and functioning, Social and economic and Psychological/spiritual. Mean values for the total QLI and the four subscales ranged between 17.2 and 23.7 (possible range=0.0-30.0). CONCLUSIONS: The overall QLI and subscale scores correspond with those presented by other researchers. Population-based measures of generic quality of life and underlying dimensions are important considering the gain when results from specific patient groups are viewed.

Construct validity of the Assessment of Work Performance (AWP).

The instrument Assessment of Work Performance (AWP 1.1) can be used to assess an individual's skills during work performance - how efficient and appropriate a client performs a work task. The instrument is currently used by over 300 assessors working in a variety of work rehabilitation settings in Sweden, and it has been used with over 10,000 clients. In this study, the construct validity of the AWP 1.1 was tested with 364 assessments of clients with a variety of various work-related problems assessed by six occupational therapists in a Social Insurance Office in Sweden between 2004 and 2005. Principal Component Analysis shows construct validity of the AWP 1.1. Further, the findings indicate that the instrument is sensitive and discriminates between clients, and no gender related patterns were identified.

Content validity and utility of the Assessment of Work Performance (AWP).

In the area of work rehabilitation, many decisions about future interventions for the client are based on the results of various kinds of assessments. Therefore, it is important that the assessment instruments used are adequate, useful, and reliable. The purpose of this study was to investigate the content validity and utility of the instrument Assessment of Work Performance (AWP) which is used to assess an individual's observable (working) skills during work performance, i.e. how efficient and appropriate a client performs a work activity. A questionnaire was answered by 67 respondents who used the AWP in various work rehabilitation settings in Sweden. The result indicates content validity and utility for the AWP that supports further testing of the instrument.