Investigating the Factors Influencing the Preference for Cesarean Section among First-Time Pregnant Women Visiting Comprehensive Health Service Centers

Hasan  Jafari; Mohammad Kazem  Rahimi; Najmeh  Asadi; Farnoosh  Ghomi

doi:10.18502/wjpn.v8i1.21583

Hasan Jafari Health Policy and Management Research Center, Department of Health Management & Economics, School of Public Health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
Mohammad Kazem Rahimi Health Policy and Management Research Center, Department of Health Management & Economics, School of Public Health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
Najmeh Asadi Student Research Committee, School of Public Health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
Farnoosh Ghomi Yazd Cardiovascular Research Center, Noncommunicable Diseases Research Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/wjpn.v8i1.21583

Keywords: Pregnant People, Cesarean section, Community Health Network, Natural Childbirth

Abstract

Background: For numerous women, the selection of a childbirth methodpresents a significant decision, often shaped by a multitude of factors,notably those of a social and familial nature. In light of this, researchersundertook an investigation into the determinants influencing the choice ofcesarean section among women experiencing their first pregnancy andutilizing comprehensive health service centers in Yazd City.

Methods: The present study utilized a descriptive-cross-sectional design. Thecollection tool was a standard questionnaire with 34 items (psychological,environmental, cultural-social factors, obstetric conditions factors, and birthoutcomes) in the form of a five-point Likert scale. The results of the analysisof the data collected by SPSS software version 26 were used to describe andanalyze the obtained data using descriptive indices (such as standarddeviation, mean, etc.) and Spearman's correlation coefficient.

Results: Based on the results, no significant relationship was observedbetween the factors influencing the tendency to cesarean with age,education, and occupation. Among the dimensions of cultural-socialfactors, it has the highest average (29.20 ± 6.36), followed bypsychological factors in the second place (26.97 ± 6.46). The lowestaverage was related to environmental factors (16.42 ± 4.28).

Conclusion: Considering the significant impact of existing cultural and socialinfluences, it is essential for the media to assume an educational responsibilityby engaging knowledgeable and compassionate experts to raise publicawareness. This goal should be achieved through identifying, correcting, and improwing women's perceptions and beliefd regarding natural childbirth.