National Journal of Community Medicine
Original Article
Year: 2011 | Volume: 2 | Issue: 2 | Page No: 244-248
Women’s Knowledge, Perceptions, and Potential Demand towards Caesarean Section
Author:
Saoji Ajeet, Nayse Jaydeep, Kasturwar Nandkishore, Relwani Nisha
Affiliation:
Abstract:
In today’s situation when the access to obstetric care is growing day by day there has been a concern
over the rising caesarean rates over the world. A cross-sectional study was undertaken with an
objective to determine the level of knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions about CS among pregnant
women. All pregnant women, attending antenatal clinic, were interviewed with a structured
questionnaire. Data analysis was done by using Epi info software. Of the total 247 women,
participated in this study, the potential demand for CS was low and majority of women preferred
vaginal delivery (91.5%). The majority of women (65.1%) were found to have very little knowledge.
Overall, women preferring caesarean birth were multiparous (P<0.05), and were more likely to have
had previous caesarean delivery (P<0.001), but there were otherwise no differences in age, parity,
income, or education. However, most are still in favor of CS if it is necessary to protect their health or
that of their infant. Study also revealed that there is need to provide better information for pregnant
women during the antenatal period about modes of delivery, their indications, advantages and
adverse consequences which will enable them to make an informed decision.
Keywords: Caesarean section, awareness, perceptions, attitudes, mode of delivery
DOI: