The objective of this study was to evaluate factors associated with women's satisfaction with vaginal delivery at the Leila Diniz Maternity Hospital in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. A cross-sectional study was conducted from March 1 to 30, 1999, using interviews with women who had undergone vaginal delivery. In order to analyze women's satisfaction, the following were used: (a) a scale to evaluate overall satisfaction with the birthing process; (b) description of the woman's reasons for this evaluation; and (c) analysis of factors associated with the evaluation of childbirth satisfaction. Chi-square for trend with a 5% significance level was used to analyze the results. The results of the study showed high satisfaction with childbirth care (67%), determined mainly by short labor time, good treatment by staff, low level of distress, absence of complications for the mother and baby, and presence of a family companion. The study also verified the association between women's satisfaction with information received during perinatal care and positive perceptions of the professionals responsible for providing care.
Perinatal Care; Humanizing Delivery; Patient Satisfaction
