Skip to main content

Table 4 Constructs of HBM relating to women’s perceptions of cesarean delivery (CD): Comparison between women who prefer a vaginal birth (VB) and a cesarean delivery (CD) (n = 319)

From: Factors influencing the decision that women make on their mode of delivery: the Health Belief Model

Women’s perceptions of cesarean delivery (CD)

Prefer VB (n = 246)

Prefer CD (n = 73)

P-value

 

n (%)

n (%)

 

Perceived susceptibility

   

   Abdominal wound infection

4 (0.02)

0 (0.0)

0.329

   Long recovery time

1 (0.004)

2 (0.03)

0.140

Perceived benefits

   

   A faster/more convenient method of delivery

127 (51.7)

67 (91.8)

<0.001***

   A trendy/modern method of delivery

109 (44.3)

60 (82.2)

<0.001***

   Less fear of prolonged labor and fetal injuries

124 (50.7)

67 (91.8)

<0.001***

   Avoid pain induced by repetitive vaginal examinations

111 (45.2)

55 (75.4)

<0.001***

   Avoid the necessity of inducing labor

123 (50.0)

59 (80.8)

<0.001***

   Prevent labor pain

172 (69.9)

71 (97.2)

<0.001***

   Avoid prolonged labor

185 (75.2)

73 (100)

<0.001***

   Preserve sexual function and genital appearance

94 (38.2)

43 (58.9)

0.002**

   Minimize potential sexual dissatisfaction

66 (26.9)

36 (49.3)

<0.001***

   Allows tubal ligation after CD

94 (38.2)

32 (43.8)

0.388

   Allows better planning of maternity leave

168 (68.3)

58 (79.4)

0.065

   Allows better planning of paternity leave

165 (67.1)

55 (75.4)

0.180

   Avoids the uncertainty of the timing of the delivery

185 (75.2)

60 (82.2)

0.214

   Can select an auspicious date to deliver my baby

162 (65.9)

49 (67.1)

0.840

   Year, date, time, and weekday of birth affect one’s fate

70 (28.4)

34 (46.6)

0.004**

Perceived severity

   

   Concern over the anesthesia complications of CD

228 (92.7)

45 (61.6)

<0.001***

   Afraid of uterine scar ruptures if a cesarean delivery is performed

125 (50.9)

25 (34.2)

0.013*

   Afraid of adhesion formation if a cesarean delivery is performed

137 (55.7)

30 (41.1)

0.028*

Perceived barriers

   

   Extra cost of CD out of own pocket

125 (50.8)

38 (52.1)

0.852

   Cannot choose CD in a public hospital

141 (57.4)

61 (83.6)

<0.001***

Cues to action

   

   Healthcare professionals advise CD

132 (53.6)

53 (72.6)

0.004**

   Relatives/friends advise CD

40 (16.2)

33 (45.2)

<0.001***

   I heard negative stories from relatives/friends about their vaginal delivery

72 (29.3)

34 (46.6)

0.006**

   I have a family history of difficult births

44 (17.9)

27 (37.0)

0.001***

  1. ** = P < 0.01, *** = P < 0.001