RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: The current international context considers birth experiences as a focal point for women's health. However, this subject is rarely discussed in Tunisian literature. AIM: Analyze birth experience of a sample of Tunisian women. METHODS: Transverse descriptive study. All women who gave birth in the study unit during August 2018 were included. A direct interview was conducted during the first postpartum day. The questionnaire used was developed by a multidisciplinary team and included 55 questions, divided into 4 items. We compared the group of women who described their delivery as physically or psychologically traumatic to the group of women who reported a serene birth experience. A multivariate analysis of variance was used to identify the variables that can influence childbirth experience. RESULTS: During the study period, 170 women were included with a response rate of 81%. Severe anxiety about delivery was reported by 74.5% (n = 127) of women. Delivery was experienced as a trauma in 48.2% (n = 82) of cases. In the group of women who expressed a negative experience, we found a significant association with the use of media and internet as a source of information (p=0.001) and repeated vaginal examinations (p=0.001). Pain significantly impacted women's experience (p = 0.02). Finally, main risk factors of a negative childbirth experience were: uterine revision: OR=7.04 95%CI [0.27-177.68]; Emergency caesarean section: OR=3.04 95%CI [0.94-9.85] and vaginal delivery: OR=2.13 95%CI [0.45-10.14]. CONCLUSION: We can intervene on modifiable factors with the introduction of a specific program preparing women for their childbirth and the improvement of the professional practices. However, the issue will benefit from being discussed and addressed at the national, cultural and societal levels.