Birth Mode Preferences and Associated Factors Among Jordanian Pregnant Women

The right to choose a mode of delivery is an essential aspect of compassionate and respectful care that promotes both maternal and neonatal health, as ignoring the mother's preferences heightens the risk of postpartum depression and post-traumatic stress. This study utilized the Health Belief Model as a theoretical foundation for understanding pregnant women's beliefs regarding their preferred mode of birth and its associated factors.

This study aimed to assess birth mode preferences and associated factors among Jordanian pregnant women.

A cross-sectional study was conducted in northern Jordan from March to May 2025. The respondents were recruited by convenience sampling. The data was collected through online-administered questionnaire utilizing a valid and reliable instrument, which was based on the five core domains of the Health Belief Model. The data analysis was preformed through SPSS software (Version 28).

The total number of participating pregnant women in this study was 330. 23.4% of the respondents preferred cesarean section and 76.4% preferred vaginal delivery. Women who preferred cesarean section had higher mean scores for perceived benefits, lower mean scores for perceived susceptibility and severity of cesarean section compared to those who preferred vaginal delivery. Predictors of CS preference included age (OR = 3.203, p = 0.000), economic status (OR = 8.250, p = 0.00), previous type of birth (OR = 2.570, p = 0.000), complications in previous birth (OR = .172, p = .042), parity (OR = -.795, p = 0.042) and hospital type planned for birth (OR = 1.692, p = 0.013).

Women often prefer the mode of birth which they perceive to have benefits that outweigh potential risks and complications. Therefore, maternity health care institutions should develop antenatal education programs based on the Health Belief Model about the benefits, risks and complications of both modes of birth.