Social Media Influence and Determinants of Childbirth Mode Preferences Among Women in Childbearing Age | ||
| International Journal of Medical Arts | ||
| Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 23 June 2025 | ||
| Document Type: Original Article | ||
| DOI: 10.21608/ijma.2025.378713.2174 | ||
| Authors | ||
| Doaa Genedy* 1; Ahmed Mahmoud Elshorbagy2; Hebatalla Abdelmaksoud Abdelmonsef Ahmed3; Hoda Ali Ahmed Shiba4; Ahmed Yousef5; Rania El-Kurdy6 | ||
| 1Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt. | ||
| 2Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Damietta Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Damietta, Egypt. | ||
| 3Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Kafr-Elsheikh University, Kafr-Elsheikh, Egypt. | ||
| 4Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine for Girls, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt. | ||
| 5Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Damietta Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Damietta, Egypt. | ||
| 6Woman’s Health and Midwifery Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt. | ||
| Abstract | ||
| Background: Social media has become an influential tool in shaping health behaviors, including decisions regarding childbirth. The increasing trend of cesarean section (CS), often elective and without medical indication, may be influenced by online narratives and fear of childbirth (FOC), particularly among first-time mothers. Aim: To assess the impact of social media on pregnant women's choices regarding the mode of delivery, with attention to the influence of demographic factors, perceptions, content types, and credibility of online information. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 pregnant or recently delivered Egyptian women using an online Google Forms questionnaire. Inclusion criteria included women aged 18–40 years, smartphone users, and social media users (Facebook/WhatsApp). Tools included demographic data, obstetric history, patterns of social media use, perceptions of childbirth content, and trust in online medical information. Data were analyzed using SPSS v26 with chi-square and logistic regression. Results: A significant association was found between social media exposure and birth method consideration (P < 0.001). Influential factors included age (<25 years), high school education, middle-to-high socioeconomic status, nulliparity, frequent social media use, following non-health professionals, exposure to birth-related videos, and trust in social media advice. Content perceived as somewhat or highly influential increased the odds of considering a birth method due to social media (OR = 10.96–20.78). Fear-inducing content and personal narratives were particularly persuasive. Conclusion: Social media significantly shapes women's perceptions and decisions regarding childbirth. Personal stories, videos, and fear-based content were key drivers of elective CS preferences. Nulliparous women and those with limited real-life birth experiences were most susceptible. | ||
| Keywords | ||
| Cesarean Section; Vaginal Birth; Childbirth Decision-Making; Maternal Health; Digital Health | ||
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