A survey of women and health providers about information regarding the timing of driving a car after experiencing a caesarean section: Editorial comment

摘要

One concern of women after a cesarean delivery (CD) is the timing to resume driving. They often receive conflicting advice little of which is based on research. This survey study was designed to assess the information women received about driving after a CD and their experiences related to driving postpartum. Information provided by health care professionals and from insurance companies was also assessed.A convenience sample of 101 women who had a CD and who planned to drive postpartum was obtained. Just before women left the hospital, they completed the initial survey of 5 questions asking about what information on driving after a CD was provided and by whom. A second survey was administered by telephone 6 to 9 weeks postpartum and included 7 questions about the time women began driving, distances traveled, physical problems experienced, and whether problems were severe enough to stop driving. Health professionals completed a survey on what information they provided to women about driving after a CD and the sources of this information. Major insurance companies were asked to clarify information provided to women. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and calculating frequency distributions. Open-ended questions identified common issues, including abdominal discomfort, wound pain, difficulty entering and exiting vehicles, rotating the body, anxiety, and fatigue.