Attitudes towards cesarean section in a nationwide sample of obstetricians and gynecologists

The Swedish cesarean section (CS) rate has increased dramatically over the last decades, but remains relatively low compared to several other countries in the Western world. The reasons for this continuous increase are multifactorial and difficult to investigate. That pregnant women are demanding CS more frequently does not appear to be the major explanatory factor for the increasing CS rate. Since Swedish CS rates are relatively low, it is important to study attitudes to CS in a nationwide population of Swedish obstetricians and gynecologists in order to determine the possible concerns of this group.

In 2006, a study-specific questionnaire was created and posted to Swedish obstetricians and gynecologists. In total, 1,280 obstetricians and gynecologists received a questionnaire and replied with a response rate of 66%.

In general, older and longer work experience physicians had a more positive attitude towards providing CS on maternal request or elective CS for women who fear vaginal delivery. In addition, these colleagues were more positive in expressing their belief that elective CS is as safe as vaginal delivery for the mother and her child. The main difference between female and male physicians was that males were more positive toward providing CS on maternal request (p<0.001).

We have shown that female physicians differ from their male colleagues in their attitudes toward providing CS on maternal request. Female physicians were more reluctant than males to provide CS on maternal request.