Awareness, Attitudes and Perception of Antenatal Patients to Caesarean Section: The Jos, Nigeria Experience

Authors

  • Orokpo Christopher Egbodo University of Jos/ Jos University Teaching Hospital
  • Uche A Akunaeziri Federal Medical Centre, Keffi, Nasarawa state
  • Adikpe E Edugbe University of Jos, Jos
  • Iornum H Shambe University of Jos/ Jos University Teaching Hospital
  • Makshwar L Kahansim University of Jos/ Jos University Teaching Hospital
  • Amaka Ngozi Ocheke University of Jos/ Jos University Teaching Hospital

Keywords:

Attitude, Caesarean section, Knowledge, Perception

Abstract

Background: Caesarean section (CS) rates have been increasing steadily globally. Although caesarean section is becoming increasingly safe, women still have aversion for caesarean section in our environment.

Objective: To determine the perception, knowledge and attitude of antenatal clinic (ANC) attendants in Jos University Teaching Hospital towards caesarean section as a mode of delivery.

Method: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study. A pre-tested structured questionnaire was administered to pregnant women who receive care at the antenatal clinic of the Jos University Teaching Hospital between 1st December 2013 to 31st January 2014.

Results: The average age of the respondents was 29.06±6.00 years, while the average income per month was 6786 ± 1053.92 naira. Fifty-five (24.2%) of the respondents did not know any indication for caesarean section while one hundred and seventy-two knew at least one correct indication out of which four (1.8%) knew three correct indications for caesarean section. Caesarean section was considered to be dangerous by 55.1%. The commonest reason given was that the mother could die (47.37%). Vaginal delivery was preferred by 88.5%, 6.20% had no preference while 5.30% preferred caesarean section. The commonest reason given for preference for vaginal delivery was that it is safer (32.34%). Eleven out of 12 respondents that preferred caesarean section preferred it because the stress of labour is eliminated. The commonest reasons for aversion to caesarean section was fear of operation (48.98%), lack of finance (30.61%) and fear of being stigmatized (26.53%). There was statistical significant relationship between income, religion and willingness to undergo caesarean section.

Conclusion: There is a high level of awareness of caesarean delivery among ANC attendants at the Jos University Teaching Hospital. Client education is necessary to address some concerns on safety of the operation, indications for the operation, and stigmatisation.

How to cite this article:
Egbodo OC, Akunaeziri UA, Edugbe AE, Shambe IH, Kahansim ML, Ocheke AN. Awareness, Attitudes and Perception of Antenatal Patients to Caesarean Section: The Jos, Nigeria Experience. Int J Adv Res Gynaecol Obstet. 2023;1(1):7-14.

References

Cunningham FG, MacDonald PC, Gant NF. Caesarean delivery and postpartum hysterectomy. In: Williams obstetrics. Connecticut: Appleton and Lange; 1997.

Shiono PH, Fielden JG, Mc Nellis D, Rhoads GG, Pearse WH. Recent trends in caesarean birth and trial of labour rates in the United States. JAMA. 1987;257(4):494-7. [PubMed]

Unnikrishnan B, Rakshita PB, Amarnath A, Kumar N, Rekha T, Mithra PP, Aishwarya A, Kumar R, Chausalkar JL, Garg N, Pal S, Dolkafle SH. Trends and indications for caesarean section in a tertiary care obstetric hospital in coastal South India. Australas Med J. 2010;3:821-5. [Google Scholar]

Rohra S, Bacchus MY. A review of caesarean sections performed at the Georgetown Hospital, Guyana. West Indian Med J. 1983;32(2):91-6. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

Onwudiegwu U. The effect of a depressed economy on the utilisation of maternal health services: the Nigerian experience II. J Obstet Gynaecol. 1997;17(2):43-148. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

Geidam AD, Audu BM, Kawuwa BM, Obed JY. Rising trend and indications of caesarean section at the University of Maiduguri teaching hospital, Nigeria. Ann Afr Med. 2009;8(2):127 32. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

Nkwo PO, Onah HE. Feasibility of reducing the caesarean section rate in the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria. Trop J Obstet Gynaecol. 2002; 19(2):86-9. [Google Scholar]

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Rates of cesarean delivery--United States, 1991. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 1993;42(15):285-9. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

Jaiyesimi AK, Ojo OE. Caesarean section in contemporary obstetrics and gynaecology for developing countries. In: Okonofua F, Odunsi K, editors. Benin: Women’s Health

and Action Research Centre; 2003. 592 p.

Buekens P, Curtis S, Alayon S. Demographic and health surveys: caesarean section rates in sub-Saharan Africa. BMJ. 2003;326(7381):136. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

Dumont A, de Bernis L, Bonvier-Colle MH, Breart G; MOMA Study Group. Caesarean section rate for maternal indication for sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review. Lancet. 2001; 358(9290):1328-33. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

Oye-Adeniran BA, Umoh AV, Odum CU. Recent trends in caesarean section at Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria. Niger Quart J Hosp Med. 1988;8:111-4.

Kwawukume EY. Caesarean section. In: Kwawukume EY, Emuveyan E, editors. Comprehensive obstetrics in the tropic. Asante and Hittcher Printing Press Limited; 2000. p. 321-9.

Igberase GO, Ebeigbe PN, Andrew BO. High caesarean section rate: a ten-year experience in a tertiary hospital in the Niger Delta, Nigeria. Niger J Clin Pract. 2009;12(3):294-7. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

Ibekwe PC. Rising trends in casearean section rates: an issue of major concern in Nigeria. Niger J Med. 2004;13(2):180-1. [PubMed]

Oladapo OT, Sotunsa JO, Sule-Odu AO. The rise in caesarean birth rate in Sagamu, Nigeria: reflection of changes in obstetric practice. J Obstet Gynecol. 2004; 24(4):377-81. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

Aisien AO, Lawson JO, Adebayo AA. A five-year appraisal of caesarean section in a Northern Nigeria University Teaching Hospital. Niger Postgrad Med J. 2002;9(3):146- 50. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

Awoyinka BS, Ayinde OA, Omigbodun AO. Acceptability of caesarean delivery to antenatal patients in a tertiary health facility in south-west Nigeria. J Obstet Gynaecol. 2006;26(3):208-10. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

Aziken M, Omo-Aghoja L, Okonofua F. Perceptions and attitudes of pregnant women towards caesarean section in urban Nigeria. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 2007;86(1):42-7. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

Adageba RK, Danso KA, Adusu-donkor A, Ankobea- Kokroe F. Awareness and perceptions of and attitudes towards caesarean delivery among antenatal. Ghana Med J. 2008;42(4):137-40. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

Ezechi OC, Fasubaa OB, Dare FO. Socioeconomic barrier to safe motherhood among booked patients in rural Nigerian communities. J Obstet Gynaecol. 2000:20(1):32-4. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

Ezechi OC, Nwokoro CA, Kalu BK, Njokanma FO, Okeke GC. Caesarean morbidity and mortality in a private hospital in Lagos, Nigeria. Trop J Obstet Gynaecol. 2002;19(2):97-100. [Google Scholar]

Angeja AC, Washington AE, Vargas JE, Gomez R, Rojas I, Caughey AB. Chilean women’s preferences regarding mode of delivery: which do they prefer and why? BJOG. 2006;113(11):1253-8. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

Gamble JA, Creedy DK. Women’s preference for a caesarean section: incidence and associated factors. Birth. 2001;28(2):101-10. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

Adeleye JA. Primary elective caesarean section in Ibadan, Nigeria. Int Surg. 1977;62(2):97-9. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

Lawson JB. Caesarean section. In: Lawson JB, Stewart DB, editors. Obstetrics and gynaecology in the tropics. London; 1967. p. 184-5.

Olusanya O, Okpere E, Ezimokhai M. The importance of social class in voluntary fertility control in a developing country. West Afr J Med. 1985;4(4):205-12.

Fasubaa OB, Ogunniyi SO, Dare FO, Isawumi AI, Ezechi OC, Orji EO. Uncomplicated caesarean section: is prolonged hospital stay necessary? East Afr Med J. 2000;77(8):448-51. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

Ezechi OC, Fasubaa OB, Kalu BE, Nwokoro CA, Obisie LO. Caesarean delivery: why the aversion? Trop J Obstet Gynaecol. 2004;21:164-7. [Google Scholar]

Thomas J, Callwood A, Brocklehurst P, Walker J. The National Sentinel Caesarean Section Audit. BJOG. 2000; 107(5):579-80. [PubMed]

Onwudiegwu U, Makinde ON, Ezechi OC, Adeyemi A. Decision caesarean delivery interval in a Nigerian University hospital: implications for maternal morbidity and mortality. J Obstet Gynaecol. 1999; 19:30-2. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

Downloads

Published

2023-01-31