Women's knowledge and attitude towards choosing mode of delivery in the first pregnancy

Despite good improvement in postpartum and prenatal mortality and morbidity، the rate of have been increased over the recent two decades worldwide. This study was performed with aim to evaluate the women’s knowledge and attitude towards choosing mode of delivery in the first pregnancy. This descriptive – analytical study was performed on 216 mothers referred to medical-health centers of Ilam in 2012-2013. Data were collected by trained midwives using a standard questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 16 the software. The collection tools of function and knowledge data was a questionnaire including demographic characteristics (questions related to the information on individual، social and gynecology characteristics of pregnant women) and determining the level of knowledge (normal delivery، complications and indications of cesarean) in the mothers that was collected using a researcher-made questionnaire by the midwife. Data was analyzed by SPSS software (version 16) and using Chi-square، t، and regression tests. 105 of women (53%) preferred cesarean section (CS). Totally، weak or moderate level of attitude toward vaginal delivery was 55. 5% (53) and cesarean delivery 22/5% (24). Mean score of negative attitude was not statistically significant in mothers with vaginal delivery and mothers with cesarean (P = 0. 12). There was a significant relationship between level of attitude and knowledge toward choosing mode of delivery and level of education (P < 0. 001). There is direct relationship between level of knowledge and attitude toward vaginal delivery and we can increase knowledge and change attitudes of nulliparous women، and thereby، encourage them to choose vaginal delivery.