What is the preferred mode of delivery of Brazilians? A National Survey

• Grant number: 12/17058-9
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: March 01, 2013
• End date: February 28, 2015
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine - Maternal and Child Health
• Principal Investigator: Maria Regina Torloni
• Grantee: Maria Regina Torloni
• Host Institution: Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM). Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP). Campus São Paulo. São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: Ana Pilar Betrán ; Marilia Reiter Carvalho ; Rachel Riera ; Silvia Daher

Abstract

The rates of cesarean sections (CS) have been increasing worldwide, and Brazil is one of the countries with the highest rates. This tendency is thought to be led by increases in non-medically indicated CS which in turn are associated with increased maternal and perinatal risks and misallocation of health resources without any identifiable benefits. Part of non-medically indicated CS is performed due to maternal preference, which in turn is influenced by the opinion of her family and friends. Objective: This study aims to assess the preference of Brazilians in relation to mode of delivery and what are the main reasons involved in this choice. Participants and Methods: A national survey involving 2001 adult Brazilians, with or without children, living all over the national territory, will take place over one week. The survey will be carried out by a company specialized in public opinion polls. Participants will fill in a structured questionnaire. Investigators will analyze the absolute and relative frequencies of the answers and possible differences related to the participants´ gender, age, instruction and socio-economic status as well as their geographical origin. Analyzes will be performed with the technical and scientific collaboration of reproductive health professionals from the World Health Organization. The investigation of the opinion of Brazilians in relation to mode of delivery is a necessary step to identify distortions or popular beliefs that may contribute to increasing rates of non-medically indicated CS in the country. The results of this study can contribute to the development of more effective educational public health campaigns. (AU)