The Knowledge and Attitude of Pregnant Women towards Cesarean Section in the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH)

Abstract

This is a descriptive cross-sectional study carried out to assess the knowledge and attitude of pregnant women towards Caesarean Section, in the Antenatal Clinic and Obstetrics/Gynaecology Award of University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital. The total population of the study is 150 pregnant women and the sample size is 50 pregnant women. The instrument of data collection was a self-structured questionnaire which consists of section A, B and C. All data collected were analyzed using tables, percentages and figures. The research questions were formulated and analyzed using chi- squared (X²) statistical tool. The result of data analysis showed that majority of the women have good knowledge about caesarean section, but are not fully aware of the indications and the contributing factors, with the highest source of information being the health centres but majority will accept caesarean section only when it is indicated in pregnancy and good numbers of the women are still undecided. The result also reveals that the previous belief and saying “Once a caesarean section is always a caesarean” is no longer true among pregnant women, the reason being that among these women under study, some have had previous safe vaginal deliveries after previous caesarean section. Based on the above findings, some recommendations were made; health personnels should intensify health teachings on the importance, contributing factors and indications of caesarean section and complications involved in rejecting it, the government should advocate vaginal birth after caesarean and make law against any discouragement about caesarean section in the communities and health institutions.