Factors that influence pregnant women's decision to have a caesarean section and its health consequence in Daknong province in Vietnam

Abstract

The rate of Caesarean sections (C-S) is increasing globally, which is influenced by both medical and nonmedical factors effecting women patients. It puts women's health and their babies' health at risk. This has become a topic of concern in many countries. This research aimed to study the perceptions of health concerns, the women's reasons for C-S selection, socio-economic and cultural factors, and doctors' attitude and practices that influence women's decisions regarding C-S. Additionally, it examined women's experiences of physical, psychological, and sexual health as well as baby's health problems. This study used various qualitative research methods including in- depth interviews, field note taking, participant observation, and secondary document review. Dak Nong Province of Vietnam is the research site. The participants include 6 women who had undergone their first C-S, 5 people who were the women's relatives, and 2 doctors who practiced C-S. The results showed that there were several perceptions on health concerns related to vaginal birth among women who decided to do C-S, including pain during labor, baby death or injury, and vaginal tearing. Consequently, the reasons for choosing C-S are to protect the child's health, to avoid prolonged pain, to prevent vaginal tearing in order to achieve sexual pleasure in the future, and to follow the husband and mother in-law's decisions. Besides, astrological cultural belief in lucky days and times, son preference, and doctor's attitude and practices also influence women's decisions regarding C-S.