Exploring factors influencing Chinese women's decision to have elective caesarean surgery
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Published on: January 17, 2019
1The Open University of Hong Kong, 30 Good Shepherd Street, Ho Man Tin, Kowloon, Hong Kong. yklee@ouhk.edu.hk
Objectives:
to identify the factors that influence Hong Kong Chinese women's decision to have an elective caesarean section. To explore Chinese women's perceptions of their autonomous involvement in childbirth decision-making.
Design:
a qualitative exploratory design.
Setting:
a postnatal ward of a private hospital in Hong Kong.
Participants:
a purposive sample of six postnatal women who had undergone an elective caesarean section.
Findings:
four thematic categories were identified including: avoiding fetal and maternal risks, exercising autonomy to make an independent choice, Chinese belief systems, and rejoicing and regretting.
Key Conclusions And Implications For Practice:
we propose the provision of a 'named' midwife and continuity of care. Improving the availability of information on caesarean sections, accommodating a Chinese belief system in the planning of midwifery services at the international level and establishing post caesarean section peer support groups are recommended.
