University of Twente Student Theses
Place of birth - Preference, motivating factors and influence of educational level
Beltman, H.F. (2016) Place of birth - Preference, motivating factors and influence of educational level.
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| Abstract: | Background The Dutch maternity care system is known for its clear distinction between primary and secondary care based on a risk selection procedure. Low-risk pregnant women start their pregnancy under supervision of a midwife. If complications occur during pregnancy or birth, women are referred to an obstetrician. Women with a low risk for complications remain under the supervision of a midwife and have the possibility to choose their place of birth, either at home, in the hospital or in a birth center in all cases under the supervision of a midwife. The aim of the research was to explore the preferences of pregnant women with regard to place of birth and factors that influence the decision making for choosing a place of birth. Methods A cross sectional study was performed. A questionnaire was developed using the stated preference method best-worst scaling to identify the preferences of pregnant women for place of birth and the factors that influence the preference. The study population consisted of low-risk pregnant women with free choice to decide where to give birth. Women were mainly recruited via physical therapy practices and information meetings for pregnant women. Results Between July and September 2015, 144 women participated in the study. 52 women (36.1 %) preferred a midwifery-led home birth, 67 women (46.5 %) preferred a midwifery-led hospital birth, 5 women (3.5 %) preferred a midwifery-led birth center birth, and 20 women (13.9 %) preferred an obstetric-led hospital birth. No significant relation was found for the characteristics: parity, age, weeks of gestation, educational level, ethnicity, partner, distance to hospital, and residency in Overijssel. Conclusion Women with a preference for a home birth found comfortable environment, trust in the natural birth process and privacy as most important. Women opting for a hospital birth – midwifery-led or obstetric-led – found safety, assistance during childbirth and pain relief most important. Least important motives to all respondents were family involvement and no co-payment. Minor differences were found between women with a middle and high educational level with regard to the level of importance. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Master) |
| Clients: | 1987, Nederland |
| Faculty: | TNW: Science and Technology |
| Subject: | 70 social sciences in general |
| Programme: | Health Sciences MSc (66851) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/69512 |
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