Attitude toward Cesarean Section among Primigravids at Krathum Bean Hospital, Samut Sakhon Province-ทัศนคติในการตัดสินใจผ่าตัดคลอดทางหน้าท้องของหญิงตั้งครรภ์แรก โรงพยาบาลกระทุ่มแบน จังหวัด สมุทรสาคร

Abstract

         The main objective of this study was to examine attitude toward cesarean section in primigravidas opinions regarding body image, medical management and the relationships between attitude toward cesarean section and the following factors : demographic-economic characteristics, individual characteristics (period of pregnancy, type of antepartum care, experience in vaginal birth, having received information about cesarean section and knowledge about cesarean section) and the opinions. Three hundred and ninety four primigravidas who had never undergone cesarean section were followed up at the outpatient antepartum care unit of Krathum Baen hospital. Subjects were interviewed from December 2007 to March 2008, by using structured questionnaires. Data were analyzed using frequencies, percentages, means, standard deviations and chi-square tests.

           The results of this study indicated that the subjectsี attitude toward cesarean section were at a moderate level. Opinions regarding body image were at a moderate to high level but did not differ greatly on the ranking scale. Opinions on medical management were at a moderate level. The factors which were significantly (p<0.05) related to the values toward cesarean sections were age, education, familiesี incomes, type of antepartum care, experience in vaginal birth, having received information about cesarean section, opinion regarding body image and medical management.

          This study shows that cesarean section had been promoted among primigravidas who had moderate and low socio-economic status which might encourage interest in delivery by cesarean section. Relevant institutions should focus on moderate and low status pregnant womenี lack of knowledge, and provide health information to primigravida, in order to improve safety in delivery.

Key words:      cesarean section, attitude, antepartum care, vaginal birth