Factors influencing acceptability of caesarean section among multiparous pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at Mother and Child Hospital, Akure

Overview: Caesarean section is the most common obstetric operation performed worldwide and has contributed to improving maternal and foetal outcome. This study assesses the factors influencing the acceptability of caesarean section among multiparous pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at Mother and Child Hospital, Akure, Ondo state.

Method: A total number of 306 respondents were recruited for this study and 300 presented for analysis which translates to a response rate of 98%. Pertinent and relevant literatures were reviewed both conceptually and empirically and inferences made where necessary.

Results: Findings of the study showed that majority were between 30 and 39 years, married and belong to Yoruba tribe. Only few (29%) have had caesarean section in the past with major indications being prolonged labour (19.5%), fetal distress (20.7%), prolonged pregnancy (7%) and congenital abnormalities (7%). Majority (70%) agreed that Caesarean section is a method of delivery of babies and 46% agreed that CS is a safe method of delivery. Overall, 60% and 66.7% of the pregnant women have good knowledge of CS and perception about CS respectively. Furthermore, only 16% agreed to have CS in the next pregnancy if indicated. The following were agreed to and accepted by the respondents to influence acceptance of Caesarean section: fear of death, cost of the procedure, fear of discrimination, fear of husbands’ rejection, pain of previous labor, concerns about babies’ safety and desire to keep genital tract intact. Furthermore, there is a significant relationship between educational status, tribe, religion and acceptability of caesarean section among respondents (p < 0.05) while there is no significant relationship between previous obstetric experiences and acceptability of caesarean section.

Conclusion: Conclusively, this study has shown that most of the respondents have good knowledge and perception of Caesarean Section (CS); however, the rate of acceptance of CS as a mode of delivery is low with factors influencing such including fear of death, cost of the procedure, fear of discrimination, fear of husbands’ rejection and concerns about babies’ safety.