Knowledge and attitudes of pregnant woman toward vaginal birth vs cesarean section
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background: Childbirth occurs through either normal vaginal delivery or cesarean section (CS). Although vaginal delivery is recommended for low-risk pregnancies, the increasing rate of elective CS represents a public health concern in Egypt. Aim: This study aimed to assess pregnant women's knowledge and attitudes toward normal vaginal delivery versus cesarean section. Design: A descriptive cross-sectional research design was utilized. Setting: The study was conducted at the Obstetrics and Gynecology Outpatient Clinics at Kafr-Elsheikh General Hospital. Sample: A convenience sample of 180 pregnant women was included. Methods: Data were collected using a structured interview questionnaire to assess knowledge and a Likert scale to evaluate attitudes toward the mode of delivery. Statistical analysis was performed using the chi-square test. Results: Most participants demonstrated good knowledge regarding both vaginal delivery and CS. Vaginal delivery was associated with faster recovery, whereas CS was linked to surgical risks. More than three-quarters of the participants showed a positive attitude toward vaginal delivery; however, fear of labor pain was a major barrier. Over half of the women preferred CS due to perceived convenience and option to schedule delivery. Significant relationships were found between knowledge, attitude, residence, and preferred mode of delivery (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Despite adequate knowledge and positive attitudes toward vaginal delivery, the preference for cesarean section remains high due to fear of labor pain. Recommendation: Enhancing antenatal education and addressing misconceptions about labor pain are essential to support informed decisionmaking and promote vaginal delivery.
Language: English
Subfield: Obstetrics and Gynecology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7208827762
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