Prediction of delivery type based on the theory of planned behaviors

Nowadays, the rate of cesarean section has surpassed the rate recommended by World Health Organization. One of the reasons for this increase is women’s request for cesarean section.
Given the increase in cesarean section rates as a health problem in Iran and its effects on maternal mortality, this study aimed to predict the type of delivery based on the theory of planned behavior.
This cross-sectional study recruited 200 pregnant women presenting to rural health centers of Urmia using random cluster sampling in 2014. The data collection tool was a questionnaire containing constructs of the theory of planned behavior, including knowledge, attitude, perceived behavioral control, subjective norms and behavioral intention. Data were analyzed in SPSS 16 using paired t-test, chi-square test and logistic regression.
Women’s mean age was 27.9±4.8 years, 68.5% of mothers stated that they intended to have normal delivery and 31.5% were inclined to cesarean section. Significant relationships were observed between the delivery choice and education level P, trimester of pregnancy P, conception type (wanted, unwanted) P, history of abortions and previous stillbirths Pand type of previous deliveryP. Among the constructs of the theory of planned behavior, subjective norms was the most effective (P It is recommended that intervention programs based on constructs of the theory of planed behavior be implemented with emphasis on subjective norms to help pregnant women choose natural deliver