Sociodemographic Factors Influencing Choice of the Mode of Delivery in Pregnant Women: A Cross-sectional Study from Tertiary Hospital in Srinagar, India
Year: 2024
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background: Cesarean delivery (CD) rates in India (21.5%) and in Jammu and Kashmir (41.7%), in particular, are way above the World Health Organization (WHO) accepted threshold of 10-15%.The study aimed to recognize the sociodemographic components associated with preference for the mode of delivery.These may form the target for future intervention.Methodology: This was a cross-sectional, hospital-based study to examine the sociodemographic factors influencing expecting mother's choice of delivery: Cesarean delivery or vaginal delivery (VD).Gravid women attending antenatal clinics were interviewed using a structured questionnaire, and data were analyzed.Results: Between August 2017 and July 2019, 1000 pregnant women participated in the study.Among them, 561 (56.1%) preferred CD.Univariate analysis revealed that patients with increasing age (30-34: OR: 1.61, p-value = 0.001; 35-39: OR: 1.94, p-value < 0.001) preferred CD over VD.Participants residing in urban areas (OR: 1.93, p-value < 0.001) and multigravid women (OR: 1.71, p-value < 0.001) preferred CD.Participants who had undergone both lower segment caesarean section (LSCS) and VD in the past and those who received information from healthcare professionals (OR: 0.17, 95% confidence interval (Cl): 0.09-0.28,p-value < 0.001) did not choose CD.Multivariate analysis revealed that urban residency adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 1.73, p-value = 0.001), multigravid women AOR: 1.56, p-value = 0.009) preferred CD whereas patients who received information from a healthcare professional (AOR: 0.15, 95% CI: 0.09-0.27,p-value < 0.001) did not choose CD.Conclusion: More than half of the women preferred CD as a mode of delivery, which is a matter of concern for both health authorities and society.The findings of this study help us better understand the variables affecting childbearing women's decisions regarding the technique of delivery.This study also emphasizes the important role that medical personnel plays in educating patients and their partners about the advantages and process of normal vaginal birth.
Language: English
Subfield: Obstetrics and Gynecology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W4392077899