Objective  To explore factors associated with parenting sense of competence among primiparas, so as to provide evidence for improving their parenting sense of competence.

Methods  Random number table method was used to recruited 128 singleton primiparas > 32 weeks of gestation who received prenatal care in Women and Children Healthcare Hospital of Zhuzhou in Hunan from May to October 2020. They completed the study of parenting course. Then a follow-up survey was conducted by questionnaire star at the sixth week postpartum, including the general information, the Chinese version of Parenting Sense of Competence Scale and Social Support Rating Scale.

Results  Totally 124 valid questionnaires were collected in this study. The average score of parenting sense of competence was 66.27 ± 11.20, and social support score was 36.90 ± 5.61. Spearman Correlation analysis indicated that the parenting sense of competence among singleton primiparas was positively correlated with the total score of social support (r_s = 0.318, P < 0.05), subjective support dimension (r_s = 0.333, P < 0.05) and social support utilization (r_s = 0.180, P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that the scores of subjective support dimension, timely counseling by husband when the parturient was depressed, and the spouse’s participation in the course of child-care were factors associated with parenting sense of competence among single-birth primiparas (t = 2.914, t = − 2.080, t = − 2.051, all P < 0.05).

Conclusion  The level of parenting sense of competence among single-birth primipara needs to be improved. The healh education model of both participation of singleton primipara and spouse can effectively enhance their parenting sense of competence. Family members, especially their spouses should accompany pregnant woment to participate in the study of parenting knowledge, provide more family support postpartum, and timely enlighten when they are depressed so as to help them improve parenting skills.