Knowledge, attitude, and perception of pregnant women attending antenatal care towards caesarean section delivery at Mukono church of Uganda Hospital, Mukono district. A cross-sectional study.

Abstract

Background.

Caesarean section (CS) delivery is a lifesaving intervention for both mother and baby when vaginal delivery poses risks. This study assessed the Knowledge, Attitude, and Perception of Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care Towards Caesarean Section Delivery at Mukono Church of Uganda Hospital, Mukono District.

 Methodology

A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used, involving 30 pregnant women selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequencies and percentages.

 Results.

Most respondents (53%) were aged 21–29 years, and half (50%) had attained secondary education.  Findings revealed high awareness of CS, with 87% having heard about it, mainly from health workers (53%). Although 60% identified lack of labor pain as a benefit of CS, 53% associated it with death as a major risk. Most respondents (63%) correctly believed that hospital discharge after CS occurs within a week. The majority (77%) knew that doctors are responsible for conducting CS. Attitudinal results showed that 60% felt bad about CS, mainly due to fear of pain, death, or scarring. Only 37% would choose CS by preference, while 63% would not. Despite this, 63% perceived CS as a safe delivery method, and 60% believed its outcomes were favorable. Most respondents (87%) would advise other pregnant women to undergo CS if medically indicated.

 Conclusion.

Although the majority of the women were aware of CS, some had a low level of knowledge about the surgery. On the attitude, mothers were still not convinced that the CS was not a dangerous birth delivery, even if indicated. However, mothers had a positive perception of caesarean section delivery.

 Recommendation

There is a need to intensify education on CS at the ANC by midwives, aiming at addressing the fears being entertained by women about the surgery, in case indicated.