Decision-Making for Mothers to Choose Cesarean Delivery Without Medical Indication in Labuhanbatu District

Abstract

Normal delivery is a natural way of giving birth to a baby through the vagina, but if normal delivery through the vagina is not possible based on the risk of medical complications, it is necessary to give birth through surgery or Sectio Caesarea (SC). SC delivery should only be carried out if it is indicated that the mother cannot give birth normally, but along with technological developments in all walks of life, including the medical world, SC birth is starting to become a trend among society. Labuhanbatu Regency is one of the regencies/cities in North Sumatra whose SC birth rate exceeds the established standard, namely a maximum of 15 percent. Data from the Labuhanbatu District Health Service, in 2022, of the 9,761 births at Health Facilities, 17.05 percent of births occurred via SC. The aim of this research is to explore the process and determinants of decision making for women giving birth without medical indications in choosing a caesarean section delivery in Labuhanbatu Regency. The research used is qualitative research with a phenomenological approach. The number of informants in this study was 8 informants from birthing mothers, 8 informants from husbands of birthing mothers, 3 obstetrician informants and 3 midwife informants. Research data was obtained through in-depth interviews using interview guidelines. The research results show that the decision making process goes through five stages, namely need recognition, information search, alternative evaluation, decision making and post-purchase behavior. The determinants of maternal decision making without medical indications in choosing caesarean section delivery in Labuhanbatu Regency are husband's support, income, motivation, perception, learning and reference group. It is hoped that the Labuhanbatu Regency Government can improve the quality of services by increasing counseling and education for pregnant women, providing training regarding preparation for normal childbirth for pregnant women and their husbands and making clear policies regarding SC deliveries that should be carried out.