CAUSES OF THE CESAREAN DELIVERIES EPIDEMIC. THE OPINION OF OBSTETRICIANS-GYNAECOLOGISTS IN LITHUANIA

Abstract

Objective. The aim of the study was to find out the opinion of Lithuanian obstetricians gynecologists on the factors determining caesarean section rate (CS) increase. Methods.Data were collected using a qualitative researchmethod. Hospitals providing level IIA, IIB and III obstetric service in Lithuaniawere randomly selected. Twelve semi–structured interviews with obstetricians gynecologists from the selected hospitals were performed. Data were coded, thematically analyzed and divided in subthemes and main themes. Results. The analysis of the data resulted in three main themes. They have showen factors that are responsible for the increase in the CS rate. These factors are related to the obstetricians gynecologists, women and health care system. Conclusions. The decision to perform CS is influenced by the woman and her emotional state, the competence of medical stuff. The
indirect factors that determine the change in the number of CS, are quality of work, audit and public education.