From: Factors influencing the decision that women make on their mode of delivery: the Health Belief Model
Women’s perception of vaginal birth (VB) | Prefer VB | Prefer CD | P-value |
---|---|---|---|
(n = 246) | (n = 73) | ||
n (%) | n (%) | ||
Perceived susceptibility | Â | Â | Â |
   Painful labor process | 10 (0.04) | 5 (0.07) | 0.455 |
   Postpartum hemorrhage | 1 (0.004) | 3 (0.04) | 0.034* |
Perceived benefits | Â | Â | Â |
   VB is a normal/natural process | 246 (100.0) | 55 (75.4) | <0.001*** |
   Allows early contact with newborn after delivery | 230 (93.5) | 48 (65.8) | <0.001*** |
   Allows early breastfeeding | 233 (94.7) | 56 (76.7) | <0.001*** |
   Shorter hospital stay | 228 (92.7) | 45 (61.6) | <0.001*** |
   Faster recovery after delivery | 242 (98.4) | 47 (64.4) | <0.001*** |
   No unnecessary surgical wound pain | 225 (91.4) | 41 (56.2) | <0.001*** |
   No need for an operation and anesthesia | 231 (93.9) | 48 (65.7) | <0.001*** |
   The fate of my baby is determined by nature | 193 (78.4) | 28 (38.4) | <0.001*** |
   Less costly | 209 (84.9) | 55 (75.3) | 0.056 |
   Covered by insurance/hospital authority | 122 (49.6) | 29 (39.7) | 0.138 |
Perceived severity | Â | Â | Â |
   Risk of fetal injuries when the baby goes through the vaginal canal | 97 (39.4) | 66 (90.4) | <0.001*** |
   Risk of mother-to-child transmission of infectious agents during vaginal birth | 131 (53.2) | 63 (86.3) | <0.001*** |
   Worry about perineal tears due to vaginal birth | 108 (43.9) | 64 (87.7) | <0.001*** |
   Afraid of damage to the pelvic floor due to vaginal birth | 84 (34.2) | 55 (75.4) | <0.001*** |
   Concern over having urinary/anal incontinence if a vaginal delivery is performed | 90 (36.6) | 52 (71.2) | <0.001*** |
Perceived barriers | Â | Â | Â |
   Carry insurance coverage for CD in private hospitals | 76 (30.9) | 26 (35.6) | 0.447 |
Cues to action | Â | Â | Â |
   Healthcare professionals advise VB | 203 (82.6) | 52 (71.2) | 0.034* |
   Relatives/friends advise VB | 206 (83.7) | 45 (61.6) | <0.001*** |
   Have heard negative stories from relatives/friends about their cesarean delivery | 78 (31.7) | 24 (32.8) | 0.851 |