Episiotomy Decision-Making and Perceived Consequences: A Qualitative Study From Two Public Hospitals in Mexico

Episiotomy remains a widely performed procedure in many countries, despite international recommendations favoring a restrictive approach. In Mexico, high rates persist in several settings, including public hospitals. Understanding the factors that sustain this practice is key to designing evidence-based respectful birth care strategies. This study aimed to explore healthcare professionals' perspectives on the decision-making process, performance, and perceived consequences of episiotomy, and to engage them in the co-design of behavioral science-informed interventions to promote its restrictive use.

A two-phase qualitative study was conducted in two public hospitals in Mexico, as part of a broader project aimed at promoting the restrictive use of episiotomy. In Phase 1, we conducted 22 semi-structured interviews with maternal health care workers, selected through purposive sampling. Interviews were analyzed inductively using iterative coding and thematic grouping. In Phase 2, group interviews were conducted to discuss findings and collaboratively design interventions for a future pilot quasi-experimental study.

Episiotomy decisions are often guided by clinical and preventive considerations. Non-clinical factors, including productivity burdens and training, also contributed to the high rates of episiotomy. Despite the absence of formal institutional monitoring of episiotomy rates, professionals expressed a strong interest in receiving feedback and training.

Episiotomy practices in this setting are influenced by clinical, systemic, and educational factors. Addressing potential overuse of episiotomy requires institutional feedback systems, evidence-based training, and strategies to improve dignity in care. Engaging stakeholders through a participatory approach helps ensure that potential interventions are contextually relevant and feasible to implement.