Perception of women attending antenatal clinic in a teaching hospital in southeast of Nigeria toward caesarean section

Abstract

Despite the advancement in medicine and surgery, cesarean section (C-section) is still treated with suspicion and aversion in Nigeria. This study examined the perception of women attending antenatal clinic in a Teaching Hospital towards caesarean section as well as identified factors that influence the acceptance and non-acceptance of the operation. A total of 136 women were studied in this descriptive survey study at Nnamdi Azikiwe Teaching Hospital, Awka, Nigeria. Data collection was between 1st of June to the 1st of July, 2022. A pre-tested questionnaire was adopted and filled through face to face interview. The hypothesis was tested using chi-square analysis and percentage was calculated. The demographic features of the subjects revealed that the women were between the ages of 18-49 years. The majority (43.4%) of the respondents were university graduates and (8.8%) were illiterates. About (11.8%) were high income earners. Also, 30% of the respondents would strongly disagree to have C-section even when medically indicated. The result of the study showed that C-section as a delivery procedure was unacceptable among low income earners and illiterates. The subjects have a good knowledge of the essence of C-section.