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

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).

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.

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.

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.