PERCEPTION AND ACCEPTANCE OF CAESAREAN SECTION AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

In most underdeveloped nations, including Nigeria, maternal mortality is the main cause of death among pregnant women (Mekonnen and Mekonnen, 2003; WHO, 2007). Furthermore, it is believed that only two countries, India and Nigeria, account for one-third of all maternal deaths worldwide (Mboho et al 2013). According to UNFPA (2012), India was responsible for around 20% of global maternal mortality (56,000) in 2010 and Nigeria for 14%. (40,000). Meanwhile, the vast majority of Sub-Saharan African women’s experiences during pregnancy and birth are frequently described in terms of sickness, deformity, and death (Harrison, 2001; Brookman-Amissah and Moyo, 2004; WHO, 2004a). Similarly, the majority of African women are frequently regarded as being at a high risk of infection, injury, and death during pregnancy and the months leading up to it (Izugbara and Ukwayi, 2007). Women in Nigeria have recently expressed concern regarding childbirth options, particularly the challenges surrounding vaginal birth. Every woman’s dream is to have a normal delivery. For most women, vaginal birth was the most accessible or desired choice a few decades ago. Some of the ladies gave delivery at home with traditional birth attendants, but many of them died before any substantial interventions because of difficult labor caused by blockage. However, many babies have been successfully delivered via caesarean section in recent years. This success tale isn’t without its detractors. Caesarean section is still seen as a ‘curse’ of an unfaithful woman among women in developing countries (Adeoye and Kalu 2011). The authors go on to say that weak women are more likely to have a caesarean section. Furthermore, among the women of South Western Nigeria, caesarean section is fraught with distrust, aversion, misunderstanding, anxiety, shame, suffering, and rage (Adeoye and Kalu 2011). Furthermore, despite evident clinical indications, caesarean section is hesitantly approved in most Sub-Saharan African countries, including Nigeria (Adeoye and Kalu 2011). Despite the fact that obstetric causes of maternal mortality are common, underlying cultural factors and beliefs impact access to and use of health facilities, contributing to preventable maternal fatalities. A number of research have shown how local beliefs and behaviors affect overall health and childbearing. Some of these ideas have been linked to delays in receiving necessary competent assistance when difficulties emerge during labor (Okafor 2000) It’s important to remember that vaginal delivery isn’t just a problem in developing countries; it’s also a problem in certain developed countries. Even in the event of post-dates set for elective caesarean section, women still prefer vaginal birth after a caesarean section (Clift-Mathews 2010). The article went on to say that women wished to go into labor before their scheduled appointments because delivering birth vaginally was seen as a sign of ‘failure.’ Furthermore, vaginal birth is something that a lot of ladies admire. Usually, labor and the actions that accompany it, whether medical or otherwise, elicit powerful emotions, and the debate is often presented philosophically as a battle between nature and technology. As a result, the question of caesarean section, in particular, is a hotly debated topic (Ecker 2013). Despite this, caesarean section rates are rising in a number of western countries, including the United States of America and the United Kingdom (McAra-Couper, Jones and Smythe 2010). Following significant disparities in the incidence of caesarean deliveries among nations, the World Health Organization (WHO) set out to define an optimal rate of 15% as ideal in 1985. WHO estimates that a 15% reduction in delivery injuries and fatalities would be ideal. Furthermore, many women and babies would be spared unneeded and potentially dangerous surgery (Harvard magazine 2013). However, in 2009, the World Health Organization revised its suggestion, indicating that “the ideal rate is unclear,” but that “both very low and extremely high rates of caesarean sections can be harmful.” To put it another way, the procedure should only be carried out when absolutely essential. The Harvard Magazine’s Academic Research International editorial board came to the conclusion that a balance must be struck, with women being permitted to have natural vaginal births with as little intervention as possible. Families and obstetricians, on the other hand, will be prepared to deal with any unanticipated emergencies.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Traditionally, Nigerian women have been reluctant to have Caesarean sections because they believe that abdominal delivery is a sign of reproductive failure on their side, despite the fact that vaginal birth is possible after a CS and that Caesarean sections have a lower death rate. CS is consequently critical for the average pregnant woman, regardless of her level of education or parity. The majority of data on women’s understanding of Caesarean sections come from tertiary health facilities in cities and the south of the country, while little is known about pregnant women’s attitudes and acceptance of Caesarean sections in Edo State’s Igbinedion University Teaching Hospital.

OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

To investigate pregnant women’s attitudes on caesarean sections at Igbinedion University Teaching Hospital in Edo State.
To learn more about caesarean sections and the reasons why our ladies dislike them.
To investigate pregnant women’s attitudes on caesarean sections at Igbinedion University Teaching Hospital in Edo State.

RESEARCH QUESTIONS

What is the attitude and acceptance of caesarean section among pregnant women at Igbinedion University Teaching Hospital in Edo State?
What is known about caesarean sections and why do our ladies dislike them?
What is pregnant women’s attitude toward caesarean sections at Igbinedion University Teaching Hospital in Edo State?

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The findings of this study will be used to develop strategies to improve community knowledge, perception, and acceptance of CS, with the goal of reducing delays in presenting to a health facility when CS is required, increasing utilization of this mode of delivery, and reducing avoidable maternal and foetal complications.

SCOPE OF THE STUDY

The emphasis of this study was on pregnant women’s attitudes on cesarean sections and their acceptance of them. It took place in Edo State’s Igbinedion University Teaching Hospital (IUTH) in Okada.

DEFINITION OF TERMS

The process of perceiving and interpreting sensory stimuli is known as perception. Learn about perception’s definition, how it relates to the five senses, and how it differs from reality.

Acceptance is a term used in human psychology to describe a person’s willingness to accept the reality of a situation, acknowledging a process or condition (typically a negative or unpleasant circumstance) without trying to modify or resist it.

Caesarean Section: A Caesarean Section, commonly known as a C-section or caesarean delivery, is a surgical procedure used to deliver one or more babies. When a vaginal delivery would put the baby or the mother in danger, a caesarean section is typically required.