Razi Journal of Medical Sciences

Background and objective: Although promoting methods to reducing labor pain by health professional is essential, few researches have been addressed to the study of knowledge among these workers. This study aimed to determine knowledge of health professionals of Kashan city regarding water birth and its benefits and barriers in 2015. Methods: This study was cross-sectional design (descriptive-analytical). First, scale was developed and assessed it validity. Then through census method a convenience sample included 233 girl college students were selected and filled out designed questionnaires. Statistical analysis of data was performed with SPSS software and independent-samples T test, Chi Square and Fishers tests. Results: The average age of participants was 36.69 years (±7.7). %69.5 of the participants had knowledge at the moderate level and others at the good level. Knowledge of participants regarding some benefits of water birth such as possibility of infection in the mother and infant, start breathing of infant without provocation interventions, reduce mental problems among infants was at the moderate level. Only, %21.6 of participants was aware of limitation of water birth in less 37 weeks of gestational age. Conclusion: Since knowledge of %30.5 of the participants was at the moderate level, conducting educational sessions for this group is essential.