| Abstract [eng] |
Justification: The number of cesarean sections worldwide is steadily rising, and this procedure is more frequently performed at maternal request, in the absence of medical indications. Public attitudes toward this practice are particularly important, as social norms can influence a woman's decision, while men, as active participants in the birth process, also shape views on the choice of delivery method. No studies evaluating both men's and women's opinions on cesarean section at maternal request in Lithuania have been conducted. The aim of research: To evaluate men's and women's opinions on cesarean section at maternal request. Tasks: 1. To reveal men's attitudes toward cesarean section at maternal request. 2. To evaluate women's opinions on cesarean section at maternal request. 3. To compare men's and women's opinions on cesarean section at maternal request. Research methods: A quantitative study using a questionnaire survey method was conducted. A total of 281 completed questionnaires were collected and found suitable for statistical analysis. Data were analyzed using descriptive and analytical statistics. Chi-square test was used to assess associations between categorical variables in different respondent groups. Differences were considered statistically significant when p < 0.05. Results and conclusions of the research: 1. Nearly eight in ten men were aware of the possibility of cesarean section at maternal request, yet approximately two thirds were unfamiliar with its legal regulation in Lithuania. Three quarters of men believed the physician has the greatest influence on a woman's decision. More than half thought the costs should be covered by the National Health Insurance Fund. About three in four men noted that women choose the procedure to avoid labour pain, nearly one quarter cited possible vaginal changes, and approximately half cited a previous traumatic birth experience. Nearly half of men fully agreed with a woman's right to decide on the mode of delivery. 2. Nearly all women were aware of the possibility of cesarean section at maternal request. About half viewed its legal regulation in Lithuania favourably, while one quarter viewed it negatively. Approximately half of women indicated that physician recommendations have a major influence on the decision, and approximately two thirds believed the costs should be covered by the National Health Insurance Fund. More than four fifths cited traumatic birth experience as the most important reason, more than half cited the desire to avoid labour pain, and about one quarter cited fear of possible instrumental delivery. Approximately three in five women fully agreed with a woman's right to decide on the mode of delivery. 3. Comparing men's and women's responses, it was found that women significantly more often chose cesarean section as an acceptable mode of delivery, while men preferred vaginal birth (p < 0.001). Women were also significantly more often informed about the possibility of choosing this procedure and its legal regulation in Lithuania (p < 0.001). Men more often associated the decision with the role of the physician and partner, while women associated it with the woman's own right to decide (p < 0.001). Women significantly more often believed the costs should be covered by the National Health Insurance Fund, while men believed the patient should pay (p = 0.015). Women significantly more often cited traumatic birth experience (p < 0.001) and fear of instrumental delivery (p = 0.011) as reasons for choosing cesarean section, while men cited the desire to avoid labour pain (p = 0.020), possible vaginal changes (p = 0.003), and the ability to plan the delivery date (p = 0.045). Women more often supported maternal autonomy (p < 0.05) and disagreed that vaginal birth is safer (p < 0.001). |
