Table 2 Descriptive for the support outcome variables of companions in Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Oman, 2023 (n = 214)

When did your help take place?

During admission

134

62.6

From admission to discharge

48

22.4

Immediate post-partum ward

121

56.5

During delivery

116

54.2

What is the nature of your help?

Massage

80

37.4

Touch

72

33.6

Encouraging words

192

89.7

Transfer things

94

43.9

Scope of supports

1 type of support

98

45.8

2 types

47

22.0

3 types

25

11.7

4 types

44

20.6

Did you face any problem in helping?

No

191

89.3

Yes

23

10.7

What is the effect of your presence as companion?

Helped bit

3

1.4

Very much helped

207

96.7

I didn’t notice any difference

4

1.9

Perceived effect on the patients

No effects

4

1.9

Little effects

3

1.4

Good effects

207

96.7

Will you be a companion again?

No

10

4.7

Yes

204

95.3

Do you encourage others to be a companion during birth?

No

6

2.8

Yes

208

97.2

Were you satisfied with the medical team?

No

11

5.1

Yes

203

94.9

Were you satisfied with services at hospital?

No

127

59.3

Yes

87

40.7