Women's knowledge and attitude towards modes of delivery in Kerman, Islamic Republic of Iran

Abstract

Knowledge and attitudes about vaginal versus caesarean section delivery were assessed in 204 pregnant women attending a maternity centre in Kerman, Islamic Republic of Iran. Overall, 63.5% of women scored weak on knowledge questions. Knowledge was higher in women who had a history of miscarriage. Of the women, 96.5% and 33.0% had positive attitudes towards vaginal delivery and caesarean section respectively; 40.5% had negative attitudes about caesarean section. Women with higher parity and more previous caesarean deliveries showed positive attitudes towards vaginal delivery, as did housewives and women whose spouses were employed in education or health organizations. No significant differences were found in attitude and knowledge scores according to women's levels of education.