Project Materials

PERCEPTION AND ACCEPTANCE OF CAESAREAN SECTION AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 The Background of the Study 

Pregnant women in Nigeria and other underdeveloped nations are mostly killed by maternal mortality (Mekonnen and Mekonnen, 2003; WHO, 2007). In addition, just two nations—Nigeria and India—are responsible for an estimated one-third of the world’s maternal fatalities (Mboho et al., 2013).

About 20% of all maternal fatalities occurred in India in 2010 (56,000 cases), with Nigeria accounting for 14% (40,000 cases), according to UNFPA (2012). During pregnancy and childbirth, the majority of women in sub-Saharan Africa typically face sickness, deformity, and even death (Harrison, 2001; Brookman-Amissah and Moyo, 2004; WHO, 2004a).

Izugbara and Ukwayi (2007) note that most people assume that pregnant and postpartum African women are more likely to contract diseases, have injuries, or even die. Women in Nigeria have recently voiced concerns regarding birth options, particularly those pertaining to vaginal birth. Any mother’s dream is to give birth without incident.

A few decades ago, most women had the choice of giving birth naturally. Even though some of the ladies gave birth at home with traditional birth attendants, many of them had terrible labours caused by obstruction and passed away before any real help could be given to them.

But now days, caesarean sections are a common and effective method of giving birth. Many have voiced their disapproval of this success tale. The ‘curse’ of an unfaithful woman is still often believed to be caesarean sections among women in impoverished nations (Adeoye and Kalu 2011).

Additionally, the authors state that weak women are more likely to get a caesarean section. According to Adeoye and Kalu (2011), women in South Western Nigeria have a lot of negative feelings about caesarean sections, including distrust, aversion, misunderstanding, dread, guilt, sadness, and wrath.

Adeoye and Kalu (2011) found that despite clear clinical indications, caesarean sections are still unwillingly accepted in most sub-Saharan African nations, Nigeria included.

Cultural attitudes and practices impact the utilisation and accessibility to healthcare services, which in turn contributes to maternal mortality, which is preventable, even though the underlying causes are frequently related to obstetrics (Mboho et al., 2013).

Various studies have shown that local behaviours and beliefs affect overall health and fertility rates. When problems develop during labour, some of these beliefs might cause people to wait longer to get the medical attention they need (Okafor 2000).

The problem of vaginal birth is not exclusive to poor nations; it is also a problem in certain wealthy nations. Even when elective caesarean sections are scheduled for later dates, women still opt for vaginal births after the procedure (Clift-Mathews 2010).

The author went on to say that some women hoped to induce labour early since they saw a caesarean section as a sign of “failure” if they did not give birth vaginally. And for many women, giving birth naturally is a symbolic rite of passage (Clift-Mathews 2010). In contemporary America, obstetrics is often a divisive topic (Ecker 2013).

Medical or otherwise, discussions about childbirth tend to be politically framed as pitting nature against technology, which in turn tends to elicit strong emotions.

Therefore, the topic of caesarean section is highly debated (Ecker 2013). However, as can be seen in several western nations like the US and UK, caesarean section rates are rising (McAra-Couper, Jones and Smythe 2010).

In 1985, the World Health Organisation (WHO) set out to establish a 15% optimum rate for caesarean sections in response to widening disparities in the procedure between countries. In an ideal world, the World Health Organization’s projected 15% would eliminate maternal injuries and fatalities.

Also, many mothers and their infants would stay out of harm’s way if they didn’t have to undergo risky and unneeded surgery (Harvard magazine 2013).

Nevertheless, in 2009, the World Health Organisation revised this specific guideline, saying that “the optimal rate is unknown but asserts that both very low and very high rates of caesarean sections can be dangerous.”

That is to say, the operation should only be carried out when absolutely required. A middle ground must be found, according to the Academic Research International editorial board of Harvard Magazine; specifically, women must be allowed to have natural vaginal births with minimal medical intervention. On the other hand, obstetricians and families will be prepared to deal with any unforeseen crises.

1.2 Statement Of The Problem

Despite the decreasing death rate from Caesarean sections and the feasibility of vaginal births following the procedure, traditional beliefs about abdominal delivery as a sign of reproductive failure have kept Nigerian women from undergoing the procedure.

Thus, CS is essential for every pregnant woman, regardless of her education or parity. Little is known regarding how pregnant women at Igbinedion University Teaching Hospital in Edo State perceive and accept Caesarean sections, and the reports on women’s knowledge of CS are mostly from tertiary health facilities located in urban areas and the south of the nation.

1.3.1 Purpose of the Research

1. To investigate how pregnant women at Igbinedion University Teaching Hospital in Edo State feel about caesarean sections and how they perceive them.

2. To learn more about caesarean sections and why our women dread them.

3. The third objective is to learn how pregnant women at Igbinedion University Teaching Hospital in Edo State feel about having a caesarean section.

1.4 Research Questions

One question I have is how pregnant women at Igbinedion University Teaching Hospital in Edo State feel about caesarean sections.

2. Why do our women dislike caesarean sections, and what do we know about them?

3. How do pregnant women at Igbinedion University Teaching Hospital in Edo State feel about surgical abortions?

1.5 The significance Of The Study

This study aims to use its findings to improve community knowledge, perception, and acceptance of caesarean sections (CS), which could lead to fewer women waiting longer to visit a doctor when they need CS, more women choosing to have caesarean sections, and fewer preventable complications for both mother and child.

1.6 Scope of the Study

How pregnant women view and feel about caesarean sections was the primary subject of this research. Igbinedion University Teaching Hospital (IUTH) in Okada, Edo State, was the site of the operation.

1.7 Definition of Terms

The act of perceiving something involves identifying and making sense of data sent by the senses. This course will teach you all about perception, including what it is, how it relates to your senses, and how it differs from reality.

The psychological concept of acceptance refers to when a person acknowledges a process or circumstance (typically something unpleasant or unpleasant) without trying to alter it or oppose it.

Operating on a patient to deliver a baby or babies is called a Caesarean section, C-section, or caesarean birth. When the mother’s or the baby’s safety is in jeopardy during a vaginal delivery, a caesarean section is frequently the only option.