Women’s preference for caesarean section: meta-analysis of observational studies

January 01, 0001

Women’s preference for caesarean section: meta-analysis of observational studies

The striking increase in caesarean section rates in middle- and high-income countries has been partly attributed to maternal request. These Argentine and US authors conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of women’s preferences for caesarean section. They included studies that quantitatively evaluated women’s preferences for caesarean section in any country. They excluded articles assessing health providers’ preferences and qualitative studies. They conducted a meta-analysis of proportions, and a meta- regression analysis to determine variables significantly associated with caesarean section preference.

They found: "Thirty-eight studies were included (n = 19,403). The overall pooled preference for caesarean section was 15.6% (95% CI 12.5-18.9). Higher preference for caesarean section was reported in women with a previous caesarean section versus women without a previous caesarean section (29.4), and those living in a middle-income country versus a high-income country (22.1%)."

The authors concluded: "Only a minority of women in a wide variety of countries expressed a preference for caesarean delivery. Further research is needed to better estimate the contribution of women’s demand to the rising caesarean section rates."

If it’s not women’s preferences, then it is likely provider factors.

For the full abstract, click here.

BJOG 118(4):391-399, March 2011 © 2010 to the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gyaecologists
Women’s preference for caesarean section: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies. A Mazzoni, F Althabe, NH Liu, AM Bonotti, L Gibbons, AJ Sánchez. Correspondence to Dr. Mazzoni: [email protected]

Category: W. Pregnancy, Childbirth, Family Planning. Keywords: caesarean section, childbirth, choice, delivery, meta-analysis of observational studies, journal watch.
Synopsis edited by Dr Linda French, Toledo, Ohio. Posted on Global Family Doctor 8 March 2011

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