Trinidadian women’s knowledge, perceptions, and preferences regarding cesarean section: How do they make choices?

Abstract

ObjectivesThe objective of this study is to determine the awareness of perception and attitude toward cesarean section (CS) in a high-user setting.Design and methodsA cross-sectional design using multistage sampling methods was used to select participants from antenatal and postnatal clinics in a primary health care setting in north Trinidad. A multi-item structured questionnaire was designed and administered by in-depth interviews. Sociodemographic data and data about history of previous pregnancies and outcomes and about knowledge and perceptions of CSs were collected from women aged 16 years and older.ResultsOf the women who were eligible for entry into the study, 368 participated. However, participants chose not to respond to some questions. The majority of women (46.2%) were found to have very little information from which to make informed decisions about selecting CS as the preferred choice of delivery. Their preference was significantly associated with the perception of safety (maternal or fetal death, P = 0.001), difficulty (complications to mother and baby, P = 0.001), and pain (P = 0.001). Notwithstanding, persons who received information from health care professionals (odds ratio [OR], 1.9; confidence interval, 1.50–2.33) were more likely to have high or adequate levels of information about CSs. Data were analyzed using SPSS software, and ORs were calculated using logistic regression.ConclusionThe majority of women attending antenatal and postnatal clinics in north Trinidad were not sufficiently knowledgeable about CS to enable them to make informed choices. In addition, the information obtained was from an unreliable source, emphasizing the need for information on CS to form a component of a structured antenatal education program.

Women-centred interventions to increase vaginal birth after caesarean section (VBAC): A systematic review

“…Information given to women was most commonly provided by doctors and related mostly to procedural matters rather than focusing on the risks and benefits linked with VBAC. Women described that information was not provided routinely and they had to seek it actively, which is disappointing given the number of studies showing that education of all women in the antenatal period (including those with a previous CS) improves birth outcome (Maimburg et al, 2010) and is appreciated and requested by nulliparous and multiparous women alike (Mungrue et al, 2010). For example, relaxation and birth preparation classes, which have led to a reduction in CS rates in nulliparous women (Khunpradit el al., 2011), and psycho-educational group sessions for women experiencing an intense fear of childbirth (Salmela-Aro et al, 2012) could also be tried with women following previous CS.…”

The Influence of Doctor’s Communication Skill and Patient Characteristics on Patient Comprehension of Caesarean Section in Rsia Puri Bunda Malang

“…Prathima (2014) found that the person who has been giving birth more than once has more knowledge and better understanding. Mungrue et al (2010) show that patient who has had caesarean section has a better understanding than a patient who has not had a caesarean section. A patient who gets information directly from doctor also has a better understanding and more knowledge related to caesarean section.…”

The Iranian version of theory-based intention for cesarean section (IR-TBICS) scale: development and first evaluation

“…It appears that the high rate of cesarean delivery in Iran is a complex phenomenon. Thus, educational interventions to reduce the rate of cesarean delivery, improve the quality of routine vaginal delivery services, and change mothers' outlooks regarding the mode of delivery are essential [22]. Consequently, an instrument carefully assessing factors that affect the choice of delivery methods by mothers is required.…”