Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Assistant Prof, Dept of Public Health, School of Health and Nutrition, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran.
2
MSc student in Health Education, Student Research Committee, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran.
3
BSc Student in Public Health, Student Research Committee, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran.
Abstract
Introduction: Normal vaginal delivery (NVD) is one of important events in women's life. Compared to cesarean section, it seems that NVD is a safer option associated with lower maternal and neonatal morbidities and also a more favorable emotional relationship between mother and her new born baby. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of and to find out the effective factors for choosing normal vaginal delivery among pregnant women in Bushehr city.
Material and Methods: In this cross-sectional and descriptive study, among all pregnant women refereed to the health centers in Bushehr City, 486 pregnant women were included based on stratified random sampling method. Data were collected using a pre-designed questionnaire during 6 months. Descriptive statistics, independent sample t-test, Chi-square test and Logistic Regression were used for analysis of the data.
Results: The mean age of the participants was 26.8± 5.01 years. The options of NVD and C/S were chosen by 220 (45.3%) and 200 (41%) of women respectively and 66 of women were undecided (13.4%). “Fear of labor pain” and “lower complications rate” were the most common reasons for choosing C/S and NVD, 77 (38.6%), and 114(52%) respectively. The NVD had a significant association with some factors including; husband's job (OR=0.51, p=0.01), husband's education (OR=0.19, p=0.001), previous C/S (OR=36.5, p<0.001), place of prenatal care (OR=0.40, p<0.001), knowledge (OR=1.3, p=0.005) and attitude (OR=1.26, p<0.001) towards delivery methods.
Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, a regular educational program for pregnant women and also having a meticulous attitude towards the medical indications of C/S may reduce the rate of dispensable C/S and promote of the NVD.
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