L Y Lee1, E Holroyd, C Y Ng. 1. The Open University of Hong Kong, 30 Good Shepherd Street, Ho Man Tin, Kowloon, Hong Kong. yklee@ouhk.edu.hk
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: to identify the factors that influence Hong Kong Chinese women's decision to have an elective caesarean section. To explore Chinese women's perceptions of their autonomous involvement in childbirth decision-making. DESIGN: a qualitative exploratory design. SETTING: a postnatal ward of a private hospital in Hong Kong. PARTICIPANTS: a purposive sample of six postnatal women who had undergone an elective caesarean section. FINDINGS: four thematic categories were identified including: avoiding fetal and maternal risks, exercising autonomy to make an independent choice, Chinese belief systems, and rejoicing and regretting. KEY CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: we propose the provision of a 'named' midwife and continuity of care. Improving the availability of information on caesarean sections, accommodating a Chinese belief system in the planning of midwifery services at the international level and establishing post caesarean section peer support groups are recommended. Copyright 2001 Harcourt Publishers Ltd.
OBJECTIVES: to identify the factors that influence Hong Kong Chinese women's decision to have an elective caesarean section. To explore Chinese women's perceptions of their autonomous involvement in childbirth decision-making. DESIGN: a qualitative exploratory design. SETTING: a postnatal ward of a private hospital in Hong Kong. PARTICIPANTS: a purposive sample of six postnatal women who had undergone an elective caesarean section. FINDINGS: four thematic categories were identified including: avoiding fetal and maternal risks, exercising autonomy to make an independent choice, Chinese belief systems, and rejoicing and regretting. KEY CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: we propose the provision of a 'named' midwife and continuity of care. Improving the availability of information on caesarean sections, accommodating a Chinese belief system in the planning of midwifery services at the international level and establishing post caesarean section peer support groups are recommended. Copyright 2001 Harcourt Publishers Ltd.
Authors: Guo Sufang; Sabu S Padmadas; Zhao Fengmin; James J Brown; R William Stones Journal: Bull World Health Organ Date: 2007-10 Impact factor: 9.408