Leveraging Research on Cesarean Section Preferences to Enhance Online Therapy Practices

The increasing rates of cesarean sections (CS) globally, particularly in Iran, have prompted a need for a deeper understanding of the factors influencing this trend. The mixed-methods systematic review titled "Prevalence of and reasons for women’s, family members’, and health professionals’ preferences for cesarean section in Iran" provides valuable insights into these preferences. By implementing the outcomes of this research, practitioners in online therapy services can enhance their skills and encourage further research in this area.

Understanding the Research Findings

The study reveals that while only 5.46% of nulliparous women in Iran prefer CS, the rate is significantly higher among multiparous women at 53.05%. The preference for CS is influenced by various factors categorized into three main themes:

• Women’s Factors: Fear of labor pain, perceived safety of CS, and cultural beliefs.
• Health Professional Factors: Recommendations from doctors, convenience for healthcare providers, and legal concerns.
• Health Organization Factors: Quality of birth facilities, availability of pain relief, and organizational protocols.

Implementing Research Outcomes in Online Therapy

Practitioners providing online therapy services can leverage these findings to enhance their practice in several ways:

• Addressing Fear and Anxiety: Utilize cognitive-behavioral techniques to help clients manage fear and anxiety related to childbirth.
• Education and Information: Provide comprehensive information about the risks and benefits of both CS and vaginal delivery to empower informed decision-making.
• Support Systems: Encourage the involvement of family members and partners in therapy sessions to build a supportive network for the client.
• Advocacy for Policy Change: Advocate for improved birth facilities and protocols that support vaginal delivery and reduce unnecessary CS rates.

Encouraging Further Research

To continually improve practices and outcomes, practitioners should encourage and engage in further research. Key areas for future research include:

• Longitudinal Studies: Investigate the long-term effects of different delivery methods on maternal and child health.
• Interventional Studies: Test the effectiveness of various interventions aimed at reducing unnecessary CS rates.
• Cross-Cultural Comparisons: Compare factors influencing delivery preferences in different cultural contexts to identify universal and unique determinants.

By staying informed and actively participating in research, practitioners can contribute to the global effort to optimize childbirth practices and improve maternal and child health outcomes.

To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Prevalence of and reasons for women’s, family members’, and health professionals’ preferences for cesarean section in Iran: a mixed-methods systematic review