Abstract: Objective To establish a painless labor intention self-rating scale for pregnant women in China. Methods After literature review and expert interview, according to theory of planned behavior, Delphi expert consultation method was used to conduct 3 rounds of correspondence consultation among 24 experts in 5 provinces and municipalities directly under the Central Government, and the items of painless delivery intention self-rating scale were identified. Results The positive coefficient of the 3 rounds of expert consultation was 0.958, 0.957 and 1.000 respectively; group coefficient of authority 0.876, 0.883 and 0.805 respectively, and coordination coefficient 0.128, 0.181 and 0.333 respectively. Finally, five first-level indicators including basic knowledge, behavioral attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control and behavioral intention and 35 secondary-level indicators were identified for the self-rating scale of painless labor intention. The S-CVI of the scale was 0.983, and the I-CVI ranged from 0.909 to 1.000, both of which were higher than the reference value, indicating good content validity. Conclusion Thanks to positive, and coordinated expert group, the developed scale is comprehensive and scientific. It may provide reference for painless labor intention and lay a foundation for the improvement of painless delivery rate.

Key words: intention of painless delivery, planned behavior theory, Delphi method