Women of Reproductive Age’s Perception and Willingness to Undergo Elective Caesarean Section in an urban community setting in Ibadan, Nigeria

Abstract

Aim: This study was carried out to investigate the perception and willingness of women of reproductive age to undergo elective caesarean section in Ibadan southwest local government in Nigeria. Method: Descriptive cross-sectional design was used for the study which involved three-stage sampling techniques. The study was conducted among 380 women of reproductive age, who has given birth before, and who consented to participate. A quantitative method was used to collect the data. The questionnaire elicited information on socio-demographic characteristics, awareness, knowledge, perception, and willingness. Knowledge was measured on a 14-point scale and categorized into “poor” (<8) and “good” (≥8). The perception was measured on a 16-point scale and categorized into “poor” (<8) and “good” (≥8). Descriptive statistics using mean and inferential statistics (chi-square and Pearson Correlation Coefficient) were generated. Result: The age of women of reproductive age was 33.7±8.0 years, 48.6% had tertiary education, 52.4% were traders, and 88.9% had vagina birth as a previous type of delivery. The majority (77.1%) were aware of elective caesarean section and (36%) heard from the health facility. Many respondents (69.7%) had good knowledge of the elective caesarean section. The majority (71.8%) had a good perception of an elective caesarean section. The majority (75.0%) of the respondents were willing to undergo an elective caesarean section to avoid labour complications. Conclusion: This study showed that the majority of the respondents’ still view an elective caesarean section as being unpleasant. Reinforcement of appropriate educational activities about elective caesarean section for the female population could have a significant impact on maternal and child health.