Factors affecting anaesthesia preferences of the gravid women who are to deliver by caesarean section

Objectives: In recent years, a significant increase has been observed in the prevalence of caesarean sections (CS). Although as in many other countries, CS rates in Turkey are higher than the targeted rate. This increase in the prevalence of CS also affects obstetric anaesthesia. In this study, we investigate the choice of anaesthesia among pregnant women who are scheduled for CS, as well as general anaesthesia and regional anaesthesia rates, the reasons for choosing general anaesthesia or regional anaesthesia, and the factors that affect their choices. Methods: A questionnaire consisting of 20 questions were applied to pregnant women applying for delivery by elective caesarean operation, between November 2011 to November 2012, in order to study the anaesthesia technique they prefer and the reason behind their preferences. The questionnaire was applied to pregnant women during the visit, on the day before the operation or while they were waiting in the waiting room before the CS procedure. Results: Our study revealed that age, gravida, previous type of delivery, previous anaesthesia experience, employment status, monthly income level, educational status, being given information about anaesthesia in advance, the source of information, and being diagnosed with panic disorder were all found to be influential in the decision of which type of anaesthesia to opt for. Conclusion: We have found out that the reason why pregnant women who have higher educational status, who work and have high level of monthly-income prefer regional anaesthesia method more depends on the fact that they have more information on anaesthesia method, they have more common use of the internet and the information they obtain from the people around them is not prejudiced against regional anaesthesia method. We believe that as the education levels rise in the future and the patient population becomes more aware, which will direct them to do more research, their preference rates will change.