Preference for mode of delivery in a low-risk population in Cape Town, South Africa. (November 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Naudé, Nadia; Horak, Tracey A.; Fawcus, Susan; Stewart, Chantal J.; Lindow, Stephen W.
• Is Part Of: European journal of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive biology. Volume 254(2020)
• Page Start: 259
• Page End: 265
• Publication Date: 2020-11
• Subjects: Mode of delivery -- Cesarean section -- Vaginal delivery -- Preference -- African women -- Low-risk population; Obstetrics -- Periodicals; Gynecology -- Periodicals; Reproductive health -- Periodicals; Gynecology -- Periodicals; Obstetrics -- Periodicals; Reproduction -- Periodicals; Obstétrique -- Périodiques; Gynécologie -- Périodiques; Reproduction -- Périodiques; Verloskunde; Gynaecologie; Voortplanting (biologie); Gynecology; Obstetrics; Reproduction; Electronic journals; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 618.05
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2020.09.028
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0301-2115

Abstract

Abstract: Objectives: There has been an increase in Caesarean section rates in many developed countries with maternal request frequently being cited as a reason. There are few studies examining African women's preference for mode of delivery. The objectives this study were to determine women's preference for mode of delivery in a low risk population to describe the major reasons for their preferences. Study Design: Women over the age of 18 with a singleton low risk pregnancy were recruited during the third trimester. Two trained interviewers conducted a questionnaire in the women's preferred language regarding her preference for mode of delivery. Results: Of the 195 women that participated, 160 (82.1 %) indicated a preference for vaginal delivery, 5 (2.6 %) preferred a Caesarean delivery, and 30 women (15.4 %) were unsure about their preferred mode of delivery. There was a significant association between delivery preference and age, ethnicity and HIV status. Level of education, employment, income, relationship status, and parity demonstrated no statistical association. In addition, 106 (54.4 %) did not believe that women should be given the right to request a Caesarean section. Conclusion: The majority of women prefer to have a vaginal delivery. In this low risk population, 15.4 % of women were unsure about their preference.