Influence of Beliefs of Religious Leaders on the Acceptance of Caesarean Section as a Delivery Option among Women in Ogbomoso, South West Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Lots of religious beliefs and doctrines among clergy in Christianity, Islam and traditional worshippers have determined the outcome of pregnancy and health of pregnant mothers in developing countries making them occasionally go through unnecessary risks of childbirth and postpartum conditions. Hence, a study to assess the influence of belief of religious leaders on the acceptance of Caesarean Section as a choice of child delivery is paramount. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in April, 2023 among religious leaders and a total of 422 of them were selected randomly and interviewed using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. Results: About 164(38.9%) were below 40 years, 272(64.5%) were males, 150(35.5%) were females; majority 273(64.7%) practice Christianity, 138(32.7%) practice Islam; 354(83.9%) belong to the Yoruba ethnic group; more than half of the respondents 293(69.4%) were married; 314(74.4%) had a nuclear family structure; majority 302(71.6%) had tertiary education; 186(44.1%) were employed, 168(39.8%) were self-employed. 372(88.2%) believed that Caesarean sections a method of child delivery; less than half 144(34.1%) believed that Caesarean section is only used for emergency; 151(35.8%) believed that Complications of caesarean section are more than normal vaginal delivery; 198(46.9%) believed that Caesarean section is an easy way of delivery; 82(19.4%) believed that Caesarean section benefits only the mother; 80(19.0%) believed that Caesarean section affects the bonding between mother and child; amongst others. Conclusion: The study reveals that religious leaders in Ogbomoso will require more scientific information about caesarean section, and a significant proportion of them hold misconceptions about the procedure. Nevertheless, the majority of the religious leaders in the study were willing to accept caesarean section as a mode of delivery. Given their role in influencing their members' health-seeking behaviour, religious leaders could play a significant role in improving maternal and child health outcomes in the community by promoting accurate information about caesarean section and encouraging its acceptance.