Evaluation of effective factors on the choice of delivery method by nulliparous pregnant women referring to Shaheed Mostafa Khomeini hospital in Tehran

Maternal beliefs are influential in choosing the type of delivery. the study of determining factors in choosing the method of delivery using the health belief model can be helpful in predicting the type of delivery selected by mothers. the aim of this study was to investigate the factors affecting the choice of delivery method by nulliparous pregnant women.

A total of 73 nulliparous pregnant women referred to shaheed mostafa khomeini hospital in Tehran in 1400 entered a cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study. Data collection tool, two-part questionnaire including demographic characteristics and questions related to the health belief model including 7 self-efficacy factors, misconception of the benefits of cesarean delivery, exaggeration in the risks of vaginal delivery, perceived sensitivity, general beliefs, willingness to accept was the mindset of health professionals (physician, midwife). Data analysis was performed with SPSS software version 16.

Comparison of mothers with cesarean section and mothers with vaginal delivery were significantly different in mean scores of self-efficacy (p<0.005), misdiagnosis (p<0.001) and exaggeration of natural childbirth risks (p<0.001). Comparing the mean scores of perceived sensitivity, general beliefs, willingness to accept and the mindset of health professionals for mothers with the choice of cesarean section and natural delivery was not statistically significant.

The findings showed that perceived self-efficacy, misconceptions and exaggerations in the risks of vaginal delivery predict the type of childbirth selected. Education based on these factors can be useful in choosing the method of delivery.