The opinions and attitudes of obstetricians in the city of Havana, Cuba towards use of Cesarean section

Abstract

Cesarean section rates have increased worldwide in the last decades. It has had important implications for the health system, such as the increase in maternal morbidity and mortality. An anonymous survey was administered to 132 obstetricians in the City of Havana to identify their opinions regarding the cesarean section rates; to determine what are the causes for such increase and what possible interventions could stop that trend; and the obstetricians' preferences when facing some clinical situations. Most of participants considered the cesarean section rate to be high. Previous caesarean sections, administrative pressures and new technologies were pointed out as possible causes. Asking for a second opinion, the use of the partograph and try a VBAC are interventions probably useful to reduce such rates. Future research should investigate the ideal cesarean section rate and potential measures to decrease it, as well as the barriers that hinder professionals in implementing such interventions.