• L Y Lee, E Holroyd, and C Y Ng.
• The Open University of Hong Kong, 30 Good Shepherd Street, Ho Man Tin, Kowloon, Hong Kong. yklee@ouhk.edu.hk
• Midwifery. 2001 Dec 1;17(4):314-22.

Objectivesto identify the factors that influence Hong Kong Chinese women's decision to have an elective caesarean section. To explore Chinese women's perceptions of their autonomous involvement in childbirth decision-making.Designa qualitative exploratory design.Settinga postnatal ward of a private hospital in Hong Kong.Participantsa purposive sample of six postnatal women who had undergone an elective caesarean section.Findingsfour thematic categories were identified including: avoiding fetal and maternal risks, exercising autonomy to make an independent choice, Chinese belief systems, and rejoicing and regretting.Key Conclusions And Implications For Practicewe propose the provision of a 'named' midwife and continuity of care. Improving the availability of information on caesarean sections, accommodating a Chinese belief system in the planning of midwifery services at the international level and establishing post caesarean section peer support groups are recommended.Copyright 2001 Harcourt Publishers Ltd.

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