Cost analysis - the desirability of natural delivery and caesarean section with decision tree model

Abstract

Objective: This article deals with the cost-benefit analysis of natural childbirth and caesarean section with decision tree model.
 Methods: This is a practical study in which 644 cases of natural and cesarean births (including 317 natural births and 327 cesarean births) were extracted and included in the relevant list. Then mothers who had been at least 3 months after giving birth were included in the study. The data was collected using the researcher's checklist and EQ-5D-3L structured questionnaire by the researcher. SPSS 26 and R Core Team (2021) software were used to perform the analysis. Results: Natural childbirth was more prevalent for pregnant women compared to cesarean delivery. which had a lower cost (26980930.90±16603206.35 Rials vs. 48883938.59 ± 6126709.15 Rials) and better utility (86.91± 4.353vs. 64.16±7.348) for all evaluated outcomes. Conclusions: It is necessary to control and manage cesarean section in cases without clinical indication. Also, other low-cost and easy-to-access strategies should be carried out for the awareness of mothers and cultural and legal foundation in the field of promoting natural childbirth.