Self-Preferred Route of Delivery of Thai Obstetricians and Gynecologists
Ekachai Kovavisarach MD*,**, Kamut Ruttanapan MD*
Affiliation : * Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Rajavithi Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand ** College of Medicine, Rangsit University, Bangkok, Thailand
Background : The attitude of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (OB-GYNs) towards performing cesarean delivery on maternal
request (CDMR) together with their preferred route of delivery for themselves or their wives is considered as important
responsible factors of increasing cesarean delivery.
Objective : To assess the attitudes of Thai Obstetricians and Gynecologists with regard to their self-preferred route of delivery,
willingness to perform cesarean delivery on maternal request, and associated factors.
Material and Method: From July1, 2013 to September 30, 2013, a cross-sectional study was carried out of 1,950 members
of The Royal Thai College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists who were randomized before being sent mailed questionnaires.
The questionnaires requested details of the OB-GYNs’ demographic data and asked about their self-preferred route of
delivery for themselves or their wives (in the case of male doctors) and their willingness to perform cesarean delivery on
maternal request (CDMR). The questionnaires were returned via mail.
Results : Three hundred and seventy OB-GYNs (18.9%) completed and returned the questionnaires via mail. In a scenario of
uncomplicated singleton cephalic presentation pregnancy at term, vaginal delivery was chosen as the most preferred route of
delivery (68.9%). The significant associated factors for preferred cesarean delivery were male, age <40 years, experience in
practice as OB-GYN <10 years and prior cesarean delivery. Many (53.2%) were willing to perform cesarean delivery on
maternal request.
Conclusion : Most Thai Obstetricians and Gynecologists (68.9%) preferred vaginal delivery for themselves or their wives,
but many (53.2%) were willing to perform cesarean delivery on maternal request.
Keywords : Cesarean delivery, Vaginal delivery, Preferred route of delivery, Thai Obstetricians and Gynecologists
