Clinicians’ Personal Delivery Preference and Decision-Making for Cesarean Delivery: A Survey of Obstetricians and Midwives

Purpose: The increasing prevalence of cesarean delivery (CD) worldwide has raised concerns in healthcare and academic circles. This study aimed to explore the factors influencing obstetricians’ decisions regarding CD in Saudi Arabia. Patients and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving maternity clinicians (obstetricians and midwives). Data were collected using a structured questionnaire administered to a stratified sample of obstetricians practicing in healthcare facilities across the region. The questionnaire included questions about participants’ demographics, preferences for the mode of delivery, and factors influencing decision-making. Data were analyzed using RStudio. Results: Infant and maternal safety, pain management, and long-term health implications were the main factors guiding CD decisions. Evidence-based medicine (EBM)-aligned practitioners were significantly less likely to perform non-medically indicated CS. Gender differences were observed, with female physicians more likely to prefer vaginal delivery. Partner influence and years of professional experience showed no significant effect on delivery preferences. Conclusion: The study highlights the importance of EBM in guiding CD decisions and the need for open communication between healthcare providers and expectant parents. Future research with larger and more diverse samples could provide further insights into obstetricians’ decision-making processes. Keywords: cesarean delivery, vaginal delivery, obstetrics, decision-making, healthcare providers