Assessing pregnant women's beliefs, behavioral intention and predictive factors for cesarean section in Hamadan

Cesarean section delivery is more dangerous than normal delivery for mother and neonate. In many cases wrong beliefs, norms, and unawareness persuade and determine mode of delivery. The aim of this study was to determine women's beliefs, behavioral intention, and predictive factors for requesting cesarean section. This descriptive-analytical study was performed on 346 pregnant women referred to Hamedan health centers and obstetrics clinic. Samples were randomly selected and data related to the demographic variables, beliefs and behavioral intention toward delivery method, and predictors of willingness to select cesarean method were collected using questionnaire and interview. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 11. Willingness to perform an elective cesarean section was 50.2% versus 44.2% for normal delivery. Main reasons to perform a cesarean section were: Obstetrician's suggestion (49.4%, n=86) and having painless delivery (36%, n=63). Logistic regression revealed that, previous cesarean, tube ligation after cesarean section, planned delivery, spouse' willingness and safety of neonatal were determinant factors in cesarean section (p<0.05). Rising mothers’ literacy, employment, increase in age, and first pregnancy increased the requests for cesarean section in pregnant women (p<0.05). By identifying, modifying and improving women's beliefs to normal vaginal delivery and also providing standard conditions for normal delivery could reduce rate of non-medical causes of cesarean section. Providing educational and counseling services for families by health centers and mass media is suggested.