The Perceptions and Attitude of Pregnant Women towards Caesarean Section in South South Nigeria

Perception and Attitude of Pregnant women

Abstract

Background: When vaginal delivery is not possible, Caesarean section (CS) is indicated to avoid fetal and maternal mortality. Unfortunately, many of our pregnant women still have aversion to the procedure despite the improved safety. These has resulted in some preventable mortality. Aversion to CS has been attributed to Sociocultural factors and cost of surgery. Materials and Methods: This cross‑sectional study surveyed 360 consecutive consenting antenatal clinic clients presenting for booking in Central Hospital, Agbor, Delta State, Nigeria. The women completed a questionnaire with sections on sociodemographic attributes, mode and outcome of last delivery, acceptance of CS as an option of delivery, fears of antenatal patients about CS and for patients who declined CS, their reasons for declining CS were sought. Results: Aversion to Caesarean section was high with about 8.80% of the study population expressing their aversion to the procedure.  The reasons for rejecting the procedure include postoperative pain, perceived Doctor’s incompetence, fear of death and failure of womanhood. Majority (89.4%) of the participants will only accept CS if their life and that of their unborn child is in great danger. Conclusion: Aversion to CS is still high despite the fact that the procedure was offered free. The safety of the mother and unborn child appears to be a more significant determinant of acceptance or rejection of the procedure. Health education and antenatal counselling is suggested to help reduce the rejection of CS by our antenatal women and increase the uptake.

 Key words: perceptions, Nigeria, free delivery