Perception and Acceptance of Cesarean Section among Pregnant Women in a Rural Community in Enugu, Southeast, Nigeria.

Cesarean Section is a procedure undertaken to aid delivery and reduce the incidence of maternal and fetal mortality and morbidity. Maternal perceptions and acceptance of cesarean section could contribute to delayed presentation of women for emergency obstetric care. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the perception and acceptance of Caesarean Section among pregnant women in a rural community of Enugu State, Southeast, Nigeria. A descriptive survey was done among a sample of 273 subjects determined using Taro Yamane’s Formula. A convenience sampling technique was used in the study with a pre-tested questionnaire designed by the researchers for data collection. Data analysis was completed using descriptive and inferential statistical analysis.  Results from the study revealed that the overall perception of Caesarean Section was negative (202;75.4%); less than half (126; 47%) of the women will even accept it for medical reasons. The possible factors that influence women’s acceptance were Baby’s safety (188;70.1%), mother’s safety (180;57.2%), and doctor’s advice (172;64.2%); while the factors affecting non-acceptance were majorly fear of death (165;61.6%), fear of the operation (160;59.7%) and high cost of the procedure (153;57.1%). Also, results showed that women with positive perceptions were associated more with acceptance than those with negative perceptions (x² 8.085; p 004). The government and healthcare providers should regularly educate the public and women of childbearing age on the importance of cesarean section in the reduction of maternal and fetal mortality and morbidity, dispelling unfounded fears and misconceptions 

Keywords: Caesarean Section, Obstetric emergency, Acceptance of Caesarean Section, Perception of Caesarean section.