Factors influencing the decision that women make on their mode of delivery: the Health Belief Model

Abstract

BackgroundChildbirth is regarded as an important life event for women, and growing numbers of them are making the choice to give birth by Caesarean Delivery. The aim of this study was to identify the factors influencing the decision that women make on their mode of delivery, underpinned by the Health Belief Model.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study. Hong Kong Chinese women aged 18–45, who were pregnant or had given birth within the last three years were recruited. The participants were asked to complete a structured self-administered questionnaire consisting of 62 questions.ResultsA total of 319 women were recruited, of whom 73 (22.9%) preferred to have a cesarean section delivery (CD). The results showed that women preferred CD because they were concerned about being pregnant at an advanced age, were worried about labor pain and perineum tearing, wanted to have a better plan for maternity leave, had chosen an auspicious date to deliver, and perceived that CD is a more convenience way to deliver. The perceived benefits and severity of a vaginal birth (VB), and the perceived benefits, severity, and cues to action of CD, affected the decision to undergo either a VB or CD.ConclusionsThe data indicated that the constructs of the Health Belief Model – perceived benefits, perceived severity, and cues to action – affect the decision that women make on their mode of delivery. This research indicates that there is value in designing educational programs for pregnant women to educate them on the benefits, risks, and severity of the two different modes of birth based on the constructs of HBM. This will enable women to be active participants in choosing the mode of birth that they believe is right for them.

Determinants of caesarian birth on maternal demand in the Islamic Republic of Iran: a review

“…This is consistent with some studies that have reported an increased tendency for caesarean section among women with higher educational level (19) but inconsistent with other reports that more educated women choose vaginal delivery (20). Although some studies have indicated that women who live in a city and who are in employment are more likely to choose caesarean section (13,21,22), these factors have less effect than other demographic factors on choosing caesarean section.…”

Caesarean section among immigrants with different obstetrical risks

“…With 28% of the Australian population born overseas (ABS, ), Australia is also one of the most multicultural countries in the world. Beliefs, values, and traditions influence women's attitudes and decisions about modes of delivery (Latifnejad, Zakerihamidi, & Merghati, ; Loke, Davies, & Li, ; Ugwu & de Kok, ). Women may prefer to have a CS for various reasons, such as fear of labour pain and perineal tearing (Loke et al, ), or because they consider CS to be a prestigious mode of birth (Latifnejad et al, ).…”

“…Beliefs, values, and traditions influence women's attitudes and decisions about modes of delivery (Latifnejad, Zakerihamidi, & Merghati, ; Loke, Davies, & Li, ; Ugwu & de Kok, ). Women may prefer to have a CS for various reasons, such as fear of labour pain and perineal tearing (Loke et al, ), or because they consider CS to be a prestigious mode of birth (Latifnejad et al, ). Women may also refuse CS because of the socio‐cultural norms about gender and religious ideologies (Ugwu & de Kok, ).…”

“…With 28% of the Australian population born overseas (ABS, 2016b), Australia is also one of the most multicultural countries in the world. Beliefs, values, and traditions influence women's attitudes and decisions about modes of delivery (Latifnejad, Zakerihamidi, & Merghati, 2015;Loke, Davies, & Li, 2015;Ugwu & de Kok, 2015).…”

Preferences of Iraqi Women Regarding Mode of Delivery

“…However, there are many theories about how delivery should be, as well as many doctors in favor of cesarean and many other advocates of natural childbirth. It should be noted that vaginal delivery is a natural process, the woman's body is hormonally and mechanically prepared to be able to carry it out even without medical intervention Loke, Davies, and Li 2015). However, there may be unforeseen events at the time of delivery that require professionals to make the decision to perform a cesarean section such as abnormal heart rate of the baby, position of the baby that hinders natural childbirth, problems of the baby's development such as spina bifida or hydrocephalus, some cases of multiple pregnancy, genital infection of the mother, placenta previa or placental abruption and prolapse of umbilical cord which all considered as indications for cesarean section, in general, any situation that endangers the life of the baby or the mother will be indicative for a cesarean section (Ahmed, Alsheeha, and Alsammani 2013;Molina-Sosa et al, 2004) On the other hand, there are women who prefer to give birth by cesarean because they are afraid of pain or for other reasons, but it must kept in mind that recovery is much worse than with natural birth.…”