Abstract
Caesarean Section on maternal request is a planned surgery performed without medical indication, where the wish of the woman compensates for the lack of medical reasons. Preferences for caesarean section are often associated with some factors that may be cultural, economic, religious or social. Some women are said to suffer from tocophobia which is the fear of childbirth and may be a major psychological cause for caesarean section due to maternal request (CSMR). This study explored the popularity of maternally requested caesarean section amongst pregnant women in the Antenatal clinic of University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital, Akure. Method: It was a cross-sectional descriptive study. Results: Willingness to request for caesarean section if not indicated is found to be low with only about 10% indicating that they can do so. Rather, refusal to undergo caesarean section when medically indicated is found to be relatively high with 43 % of respondents indicating their unwillingness to have caesarean section even if indicated. Fear of adverse occurrence to mother or baby is the major reason for avoiding caesarean section Conclusion: Maternally requested caesarean section is not popular amongst pregnant women while aversion to indicated caesarean section is high in the study area. There is need for massive education and enlightenment on caesarean section in order to improve its acceptability.
Highlights
In western countries, caesarean section rates have increased rapidly over the last decade
Willingness to request for caesarean section if not indicated is found to be low with only about 10% indicating that they can do so
Maternally requested caesarean section is not popular amongst pregnant women while aversion to indicated caesarean section is high in the study area
Summary
Caesarean section rates have increased rapidly over the last decade. The reason for this is multi factorial, but relates in part to a rise in medico-legal cases, alongside greater access to health care and the equipment and expertise needed [1]. Preferences for caesarean section may often be associated with some factors such as having a history of previous Caesarean Delivery (CD), fear of birth, maternal age, maternal education, socio-economic factors and so on. The ceasarean section rate worldwide is currently stated to be about 15% [4]. Indications such as cephalo-pelvic disproportion and fetal distress have been implicated in the rising rate of caesarean section in the tropics. The concept of ‘‘patient’s choice’’ is well accepted among obstetricians
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