Knowledge, Misconceptions and Attitudes towards Labor Regional Analgesia in a University Hospital: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Pain relief in labor is considered an important concern in the management of pregnant females in childbirth. The aim of this study is to assess the knowledge and attitudes of Jordanian females towards various regional analgesic techniques. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey on 652 Jordanian women with a mean age of 32.9 (±8.17). Data collection took place at the gynecological and obstetrics clinics between December, 2017 and September, 2018. Results: Subjects with higher educational levels tend to have better knowledge about regional analgesia (p-value = 0.003), are less likely to ask for general anesthesia (GA) (p < 0.001), and have more previous regional analgesia 47.9% (p < 0.001). Moreover, multiparous women had better knowledge about regional analgesia and higher tendency to ask for it as an efficacious analgesic method during delivery (p < 0.05). Conclusions: In conclusion, even though higher educational levels and multiparty were significantly associated with better knowledge and acceptance rate of regional analgesia, sources of information about regional analgesia plays an important role, emphasizing on the significant role of anesthesiologists and obstetricians in increasing the awareness levels in our society.