PERCEPTION OF ADOLESCENTS AND YOUNG WOMEN (15-21 YEARS) REGARDING CAESAREAN SECTION DELIVERIES: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY IN DISTRICT U. S. NAGAR, UTTARAKHAND

Background: -Increasing rates of Caesarean section deliveries in India raise concern about the factors influencing childbirth method decisions, with the increasing rate of Caesarean section (C-section) deliveries in India.As adolescent girls and young women will be future mothers and primarily will be responsible for decision-making, their awareness and perceptions regarding C-section deliveries are vital for developing structured reproductive health education and maternal health programs. However, limited research has explored their understanding and attitudes toward C-sections. Methods: -A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 200 adolescent girls and young women from different districts of Uttarakhand, India, using an online structured questionnaire. The information collected from this survey included socio -demographic charact eristics, awareness and perceptions regarding C-section deliveries, concerns related to C-sections, and factors influencing their decision on the mode of delivery.Data was analyzed descriptively. Responses were summarized using frequencies and thematic interpretation for open-ended questions.