Objective
To identify socio-cultural and clinician determinants in the decision-making process in the choice for trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC) or elective repeat cesarean section (ERCS) in delivering women.
Methods
A tailored questionnaire focused on epidemiological, socio-cultural and obstetric data was administered to 133 patients; of these, 95 were admitted for assistance at birth at Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” (FPG) IRCCS, Rome, and 38 at S. Chiara Hospital (SCH), Trento, Italy. Descriptive analysis and logistic regression modeling were performed.
Results
Vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) rates were higher at SCH than at FPG (68.4% vs. 23.2%; P < 0.05). Maternal age in the TOLAC/VBAC group was significantly higher at SCH than at FPG (37.1 vs. 34.9 years, P < 0.05). High levels of education and no-working condition corresponded to a lower rate of VBAC. Proposal on delivery mode after a previous CS was missed in the majority of cases. Participation in prenatal course was significantly less among women in the ERCS groups. Using logistic regression, the following determinants were found to be statistically significant in the decision-making process: maternal age [odds ratio (OR) = 0.968 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.941–0.999); P = 0.019], education level [OR = 0.618 (95% CI 0.419–0.995); P = 0.043], information received after the previous CS [OR = 0.401 (95% CI 0.195–1.252); P = 0.029], participation in antenatal courses [OR = 0.534 (95% CI 0.407–1.223); P = 0.045] and self-determination in attempting TOLAC [OR = 0.756 (95% CI 0.522–1.077); P = 0.037].
Conclusion
In the attempt to promote person-centered care, increases in TOLAC/VBAC rates could be achieved by focusing on individual maternal needs. An ad hoc strategy for making birth safer should begin from accurate information at the time of the previous CS.
