ABSTRACT
Introduction: Caesarean section is a lifesaving procedure for mother and baby. Improved knowledge, perception and attitude towards caesarean section are the most important and cost effective public health intervention in reducing the incidence and prevalence of perinatal/maternal morbidity and mortality associated with refusal of caesarean section when medically indicated.
Objective: To assess the knowledge, perception and attitude towards caesarean section among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic in University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin city, Edo state.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was utilized for this study among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic. Respondents were selected using a Simple random sampling technique. Data was collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire. Data was analyzed with IBM SPSS version 22.0 and quantitative variables were expressed as frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviation. A p-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: A total of 409 respondents participated in this study. The mean age (SD) of the respondents was 30.6 (5.1). The overall knowledge and perception of caesarean section was good, 299 (73.1%) and 255 (62.3%) respectively. Majority of the respondents had an overall positive attitude towards caesarean section, with proportions of 359 (87.8%). The acceptability of caesarean section in this study was 251(69.9%).
Conclusion: The knowledge, perception and attitude towards caesarean section was good in the study, level of acceptability was high. Collective efforts should be made by the government, health workers and individuals to reduce the prevalence of complications from refusal of caesarean section.
