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Table 3 Constructs of HBM relating to women’s perceptions of vaginal birth (VB): Comparison between women who prefer a vaginal birth (VB) and a cesarean delivery (CD) (n = 319)

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

   

   Painful labor process

10 (0.04)

5 (0.07)

0.455

   Postpartum hemorrhage

1 (0.004)

3 (0.04)

0.034*

Perceived benefits

   

   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

   

   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

   

   Carry insurance coverage for CD in private hospitals

76 (30.9)

26 (35.6)

0.447

Cues to action

   

   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

  1. * = P < 0.05, *** = P < 0.001