Caesarean delivery (CD) is an essential obstetric intervention that may be performed in response to complications during labour or electively based on maternal request or prior medical history. This study examined the personal, psychological, and socioeconomic factors influencing caesarean delivery on maternal request (CDMR) as compared with vaginal birth among pregnant women attending antenatal care at Enugu State University Teaching Hospital (ESUTH), Parklane. A descriptive research design was adopted, and a total of 250 respondents were selected using a simple random sampling technique. Data were collected using a self-administeredstructured questionnaire following informed consent and analysed using SPSS version 26.
Findings revealed that key personal factors influencing CDMR included a strong desire for control over the birthing experience (3.5 ± 0.6) and previous medical experiences (3.2 ± 1.0). Psychological factors identified were the need for certainty and control (3.3 ± 0.8) and childbirth-related fear or anxiety (2.6 ± 0.6). Socioeconomic factors included cultural or religious beliefs (3.3 ± 0.8) and financial considerations (3.3 ± 0.6). These findings indicate that women’s preferences for mode of delivery are shaped by a complex interplay of multiple factors.
In conclusion, CDMR is influenced by interrelated personal, psychological, and socioeconomic determinants. The study recommends the provision of culturally sensitive care, improved financial support systems, and targeted counselling interventions to promote informed decision-making among pregnant women.