Predicting the behavioral intention of pregnant women’s choice of delivery method based on the theory of planned behavior: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Introduction: Cesarean, as a major abdominal surgery, if done without a medical indication, may impose numerous complications on the mothers and the babies and increase frequency of cesarean deliveries in subsequent pregnancies. This study aimed to predict the behavioral tendencies of pregnant women in selecting their delivery approaches, based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB). Materials and methods:This cross-sectional study was performed on 100 pregnant women referred to healthcare centers of Kermanshah city (western Iran). A researcher-made questionnaire was applied, based on TPB constructs including attitudes, perceived behavioral controls, subjective norms, and behavioral tendencies. To analyze the data, Pearson correlation, Spearman, s regression, and ANOVA were used via the SPSS statistical software, version 20. Results: The average age of pregnant woman was 23.7±3.93 years old. The results demonstrated a significant correlation between the subjective norms and behavioral tendencies (r=0.335, P=0.001). A significant relationship was seen between the perceived behavioral controls and tendencies (r=0.277, P=0.004). A significant relationship was found between the perceived behavioral control and the attitude (r=0.293, P=0.002). The results of the regression results demonstrated that the subjective norms and perceived behavioral controls can significantly predict 14.1 percent of changes in the variable of tendencie. Conclusion:The findings indicate the strength of the variable of subjective norms as the most effective factor in predicting the delivery approach; therefore, systematic and planned training seems necessary, not only for the pregnant women, but also the individuals affecting this group. Thus, to reduce caesarean sections, physicians, as an effective factor, need to be urged to boost natural childbirth.

Using the Theory of Planned Behavior to Explain Expecting Couples Birth Preparedness Intentions in a Rural Setting: A Cross-Sectional Study from Rukwa, Southern Tanzania

“…Using the Theory of Planned Behavior framework, this study identified that attitude influenced birth preparedness intention among both pregnant women and their partners. This finding is in line with findings from previous study which reported attitude predicting intention to the choice of method of delivery [21].…”

“…Pregnant women who felt they had ability to prepare for childbirth are more likely to had birth preparedness intention compared to those who felt they do not have ability to prepare for childbirth. Similar findings was reported in a previous study by Bahareh et al [21]. Perceived behavior control was not a significant factor among male respondents.…”

“…Subjective norms were not a significant predictor of birth preparedness intention among both pregnant women and their partners. The finding is in line with a previous study by Kalolo and Kibusi [22] and contrary to a study done by Bahreh et al [21]. The possible reason for the difference could be the study respondents in this study who were from similar environment sharing similar norms.…”

Factors Contributing to the Increase of Caesarean Section Among Members of National Health Insurance in Indonesia

“…Accordingly, Yuksel et al (2019) stated that education affects the mother's self-efficacy during childbirth. In contrast, Ji et al (2015) and Soheili et al (2017) found no relationship between the level of education and the desire for the type of delivery method a mother would undergo.…”

“…Boerma et al (2018) found high utilization of caesarean section services by the 'rich' group of pregnant women (2.4 times) compared to the 'poor' group of pregnant women because of low capacity to perform caesarean sections in rural areas, financial limitations, and the private sector's limited role in providing caesarean section services in rural areas. Family economic status can use income (Soheili et al 2017) or quintiles (Sihhombing et al 2017). Soheili et al (2017) stated no relationship between income and the desire for caesarean section.…”