Exploring factors influencing Chinese women's decision to have elective caesarean surgery.
OBJECTIVE
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.


METHODS
a qualitative exploratory design.


METHODS
a postnatal ward of a private hospital in Hong Kong.


METHODS
a purposive sample of six postnatal women who had undergone an elective caesarean section.


RESULTS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Lee
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The Open University of Hong Kong, 30 Good Shepherd Street, Ho Man Tin, Kowloon, Hong Kong. yklee@ouhk.edu.hk
Holroyd
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Ng
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D000328:Adult; D000739:Anecdotes as Topic; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002585:Cesarean Section / Q000523:psychology*; D002681:China; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003657:Decision Making; D017558:Elective Surgical Procedures / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006723:Hong Kong; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology*; D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D011247:Pregnancy