Table 1

Main characteristics of seven mass media campaigns to reduce unnecessary CS

CharacteristicNCountry
Region
 South America3Argentina, Brazil, Chile
 Central America1Puerto Rico
 Europe2Cyprus, Italy
 Asia1Iran
Formative research prior to campaign
 Yes1Iran
 No6Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Cyprus, Italy, Puerto Rico
Pretesting of messages
 Yes1Iran
 No1Brazil
 Unclear/ no information5Argentina, Chile, Cyprus, Italy, Puerto Rico
Target audience
 Reproductive age & pregnant women1Italy
 General public6Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Cyprus, Iran, Puerto Rico
Communication strategies
 Direct*2Argentina, Brazil
 Indirect†7Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Cyprus, Iran, Italy, Puerto Rico
 Both2Argentina, Brazil
Communication channels
 Written material3Cyprus, Italy, Puerto Rico
 Radio1Argentina
 TV (open, paid, or close-circuit)4Argentina, Cyprus, Italy, Iran
 Internet and social media5Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Italy, Puerto Rico
Celebrities/ famous spokespersons
 Yes4Argentina, Chile, Cyprus, Puerto Rico
 No3Brazil, Iran, Italy
Duration of campaign
 range (min-max)7 days - 34 months
 less than 1 month2Argentina, Iran
 1–11 months2Chile, Cyprus
 12–34 months2Brazil, Italy
 Unclear/ No information1Puerto Rico
Outcome measured
 None5Argentina, Chile, Cyprus, Italy, Puerto Rico
 Knowledge about CS / VD2Brazil, Iran
 Attitude toward CS /VD2Brazil, Iran
 Preference for CS / VD2Brazil, Iran
  • *Use of interpersonal contact (face-to-face presentations, performance and group discussions).

  • †Use of mass media channels (such as TV or newspaper).

  • CS, caesarean section; TV, television; VD, vaginal delivery.