The Influence of Culture on the Childbirth Experience: A Comparative Study of Women From Muslim and Christian Backgrounds

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Childbirth is one of the most significant experiences in a woman's life, shaped by personal, healthcare, and cultural factors. It is widely recognized as a key indicator of obstetric care quality and woman-centered approaches. This study aimed to compare childbirth experiences between women from predominantly Muslim and Christian sociocultural contexts and to assess the independent influence of culture after adjusting for relevant factors. METHODS: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted with 291 postpartum women in two public hospitals in southern Spain (April 2024-June 2025). Childbirth experience was measured using the Spanish version of the Childbirth Experience Questionnaire. Sociodemographic, obstetric, educational, and support variables were collected. A multivariate binary logistic regression model identified factors associated with a positive childbirth experience. RESULTS: Women from Muslim sociocultural contexts reported lower mean scores (65.17) than those from Christian contexts (68.62; p = 0.001). However, culture was not independently associated with childbirth experience in multivariate analysis. Attendance at childbirth education classes (OR = 2.29; p = 0.02) and continuous support during labor (OR = 9.1-13.6; p < 0.01) were linked to more positive experiences. Elective caesarean section (OR = 0.16; p = 0.01), epidural anesthesia (OR = 0.04; p = 0.01), and obstetric sutures were associated with less favorable experiences. CONCLUSIONS: Differences between cultural contexts appear mediated by social, obstetric, and care-related factors rather than culture itself. Enhancing access to maternal education, continuous support, and respectful, culturally sensitive care may improve childbirth experiences.