Perception and Acceptance of Caesarean Section among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinic in Oba Ademola Maternity Hospital, Ijemo, Ogun State, Nigeria
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.63950/gshh.2025.1.2.26Keywords:
Acceptance, Caesarean Section, Knowledge, Perception, Pregnant Women, StrategyAbstract
Introduction: Caesarean section (CS) is a life-saving procedure that reduces maternal and neonatal mortality. However, reluctance to accept CS persists in many cultural and socio-economic contexts. This study assessed the perception and acceptance of Caesarean section among pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic at Oba Ademola II Maternity Hospital, Ijemo, Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Methods: This study employed a quantitative, cross-sectional descriptive research design, and a total of 209 respondents participated. A self-designed questionnaire with closed-ended questions was used to gather information from the respondents. The statistical tool used for this study was the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23. Ethical approval was obtained from the Oba Ademola II Maternity Hospital Health Research Ethics Committee.
Results: The study found a high level of knowledge and generally positive acceptance of CS among respondents. Nearly half (48.3%) were aware of the risks and complications of CS, while 50.7% expressed willingness to undergo CS if adequately informed about the procedure. Most respondents rejected the perception that CS signifies failure (39.7% disagreed vs. 22.0% agreed, p<0.05) or that it deprives women of important life experiences (37.8% disagreed, p=0.031). Key factors associated with acceptance included educational level and previous obstetric experience (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: Pregnant women in this study demonstrated good knowledge, positive perceptions, and willingness to accept CS when indicated. Nonetheless, cultural misconceptions remain barriers. Strengthened health education, community sensitisation, and partner-inclusive counselling are recommended to improve acceptance and maternal health outcomes.
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The data supporting the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Elias TI, Sodimu JO (Author)
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