Journal of Women's Health Care
Open Access

Abstract

Knowledge, Attitude and Perception towards Caesarean Section and Its Associated Factors Among Pregnant and Postpartum women Attending Maternal Health Units in Burao District, Somaliland.

Kayse Mohamed Hussein, Abdinasir Abdilahi Mahamed* and Kamaludin Abdirahman Mahamed

Background: Caesarean section (CS) is a commonly performed surgical procedure in obstetrics that has significantly improved maternal and fetal outcomes worldwide in the 20th century. However, in the 21st century, the frequency of Caesarean section operations has surpassed the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations due to unnecessary and inappropriate indications. There is a notable lack of data on this issue in Somaliland, particularly in the Burao district where no previous studies on Caesarean section have been conducted. This study aims to fill these research gaps by examining the level of maternal knowledge, attitudes, perceptions, and associated factors regarding Caesarean section among pregnant and postpartum women in Burao district.

Objective: To assess the knowledge, attitude, and perception towards caesarean section and its associated factors among pregnant and postpartum women attending maternal health units in Burao District, Somaliland.

Methods: A cross-sectional study design was employed to interview pregnant and postpartum women attending four maternal health centers in Burao district. Participants completed a questionnaire covering socio-demographic characteristics, obstetric histories, and knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions towards Caesarean section . Data were analyzed using Stata software and presented as frequencies and percentages.

Results: The study, involving 162 respondents, highlighted demographic and educational variations that influence delivery preferences and methods among women in the Burao District, Somaliland. Of the respondents, 39.51% were aged 22-28, and 23.46% were aged 15-21. A significant proportion (33.33%) of the women was illiterate, whereas 33.96% of their husbands had basic education. University enrolment rates were low, with only 8.64% of mothers and 23.27% of husbands having higher education. Regarding delivery preferences, 74.19% of women preferred vaginal delivery for their first birth, while 25.81% opted for a caesarean section. For their most recent birth, 70.00% delivered vaginally, whereas 30.00% delivered via caesarean section.The study also reveals significant associations between various factors and the attitudes, knowledge, and perceptions regarding caesarean sections among mothers. The mode of first and last delivery was significantly linked to mothers' knowledge about caesarean sections, indicating that personal experience with different delivery methods influences awareness. Respondents' attitudes towards caesarean sections were significantly associated with their monthly income and the method of their most recent delivery, highlighting the role of socio-economic factors and recent experiences in shaping attitudes. Additionally, mothers' education levels significantly impacted their perceptions of caesarean sections, with higher education levels correlating with more informed and favorable views.

Conclusions: The study reveals that pregnant and post-partum women have good overall knowledge, positive attitudes, and positive perceptions towards Caesarean section , with rates of 64.81%, 51.85%, and 55.56%, respectively. However, the rates of Caesarean section for the first and last delivery modes were 25.81% and 30.0%, respectively, with elective Caesarean section at 5.45%.These findings emphasize the importance of addressing personal experience, socio-economic factors, and education in maternal health initiatives related to caesarean sections.

Recommendations: Maternal health programs should prioritize tailored education and awareness campaigns about caesarean sections, particularly for mothers with varied delivery experiences. Addressing socio-economic disparities and enhancing educational initiatives are crucial to ensure all mothers receive accurate information and support. These measures will promote informed decision-making and positive attitudes towards caesarean sections.

Published Date: 2024-08-21; Received Date: 2024-07-25