Caesarean section by choice could fulfil the inverse care law.
We have assessed knowledge about caesarean sections in a group of North Staffordshire Hospital professionals and patients. Those who were more interested in having a caesarean section without medical indication were the nulliparous health professionals, the majority of whom thought they should be able to choose this option. Paradoxically, this was also the group who were most likely to consider that caesarean section is more expensive and dangerous. The explanation may be that they also felt it to be an easier, less painful and more convenient option.
Johanson
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RB
Academic Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, North Staffordshire Hospital, Newcastle Road, Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire ST4 6QG, UK. richard@kogs.freeserve.co.uk
El-Timini
S
S
Rigby
C
C
Young
P
P
Jones
P
P
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002585:Cesarean Section / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics; D017558:Elective Surgical Procedures; D005260:Female; D006282:Health Personnel; D006801:Humans; D010298:Parity; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011247:Pregnancy; D018570:Risk Assessment; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires