INVESTIGATING THE CHOICE OF DELIVERY METHOD TYPE AND ITS RELATED FACTORS IN PREGNANT WOMEN IN MARAGHEH

Introduction: In recent years, there has been an increase in the trend for cesarean section. Due to surgical complications, financial costs and mother’s long period of hospitalization, vaginal delivery is preferred as a favorite procedure. However, women’s requests for and tendency toward cesarean is one of the main reasons for this increase. The aim of the present study was to study the choice of the delivery method type and its related factors in pregnant women in Maragheh. Method: In this descriptive crosssectional study, 250 pregnant women were interviewed in three primary health care centers in Maragheh in September, 2006. The questionnaire used in the study included items seeking demographic characteristics, fertility history, selection of the labor type and its reasons. Chi square and independent t– test were used to analyze the collected data through SPSS software. Results: From 250 women who were selected for the study, 179(71.8%) selected the natural delivery and 71(28.4%) preferred cesarean section. Having a history of cesarean section and referral place for control of pregnancy were significantly associated with selection of the labor type (P<0.001). The reasons for selection of cesarean section were fear of labor pain, physician recommendation and experience of recent cesarean. Conclusion: The rate of selecting cesarean section is high. An intervention program aiming to change women’s attitude toward cesarean section and to enhance their knowledge about painless delivery is required to reduce cesarean section prevalence. Keyword: Method of Delivery, Natural Delivery, Cesarean section, Primary health care centre. Received: 19 October 2008 Accepted: 9 May 2009 *Corresponding author: A. Mohammadpourasl, Email: poorasl@yahoo.com نامياز عون باختنا يسررب نآ اب طبترم لماوع و ناراكمه و لصاروپدمحم رغصا