Assessment of knowledge regarding water birth among medical students of clinical years in College of Medicine, Taif University

Abstract

Background: Water birth is a method of giving birth in a tub of warm water that has been known since the 1,800s. This research aimed to assess the awareness about water birth among Saudi medical students in clinical years. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Taif University, Saudi Arabia. The respondents were (n = 235) selected by using non-probability simple random techniques. The data were collected by a pre-designed self-administered questionnaire. Results: Only 2.6%, 5.5%, and 3.8% of the students knew about the water birth method, the property of warm water, and that warm water makes the uterus hyperactive, respectively. Of the participants, 16.7% knew that water birth reduces the rate of hemorrhage, and 59.4% knew that warm water helps to increase blood circulation. Most of them (72.2%) reported that awareness about water birth should be provided to pregnant women during the antenatal period, and 55.1% thought that water birth method should be practiced in Saudi Arabia. Students with older age, males, and 5th-year students were significantly associated with information about water birth. Conclusion: There was lack of awareness about many issues related to water birth among the studied students. However, they had a positive attitude toward it. Implantation courses and workshops in medical schools about water birth should be organized in Saudi Arabia.