PERCEPTION AND ACCEPTANCE OF CAESAREAN SECTION (CS) AMONGST PREGNANT WOMEN IN SELECTED BASIC HEALTH CARE CENTRES IN AKURE, ONDO STATE
Abstract
ABSTRACT
In the first half of the 19th century, the recorded mortality was about 75 percent, and fetal craniotomy was usually preferred but eventually, improvements in surgical techniques, antibiotics, blood transfusion and antiseptic procedures reduced the mortality, and caesarean section came to be frequently performed as an alternative to normal childbirth. The broad aim of the study was to assess the perception and acceptance of Caesarean Section (CS) amongst pregnant women in selected basic health care centres in Akure, Ondo State. The study was a descriptive cross-sectional design. A total of 133 respondents were recruited and all the respondents completed the questionnaires and had adequate data for analysis using (SPSS package) 21st edition. The study showed that majority 89(66.9%) are not comfortable with the idea of having Caesarean section, 30(22.6%) are comfortable with the idea of having Caesarean section if necessary while 14(10.5%) do not know. 50(37.6%) strongly agree that CS is a safer option for both the mother and baby, 39(29.3%) agreed, 34(25.6%) strongly disagreed. 20(15%) respondents strongly agree that CS is a more convenient and predictable way to give birth, 54(40.6%) agreed, 23(17.3%) strongly disagreed. The study revealed that 40(30.1%) respondents strongly agreed that CS should be considered as a last resort option when all other methods of delivery have been exhausted, 38(28.6%) agreed, 832(24.1%) strongly disagreed. 64(48.1%) respondents strongly agreed that CS increases recovery time and makes it more challenging to resume normal activities.Healthcare provider recommendations plays a significant role in shaping women's attitudes towards CS. There should be availability of CS as a birthing option and also provision of access to healthcare resources as this can further influence women's acceptance of the procedure.
Word count: 277 Key words: Caesarean Section, Perception, Acceptance, pregnant women.
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