The Medical Journal of Basrah University

Abstract

Background: Caesarean section is increasing as a means of delivery. A decision on this choice need to be joint among doctors, women and others. An appropriate decision will be facilitated with good knowledge of women about this operation.
Objectives: To assess the knowledge and attitude of women in the reproductive age about Caesarean Section.
Methods: This is a descriptive cross sectional study carried out in Basrah city among women in the reproductive age group who visited two primary health centers(Al-Razi and Al-Seef centers). The study involved 242 women with age range from 15-45 years,
Results: History of one or more Caesarean Section was reported by 35.5%. The results of study showed that all the women involved in this study heard about Caesarean Section and a good number of them had an idea about the effect of Caesarean Section on the number of children, the possibility of vaginal delivery after first Caesarean Section and about some chronic diseases (hypertension and diabetes) which might increase the prospect of Caesarean Section. Majority of participants preferred normal vaginal delivery because of rapid recovery and less complication than Caesarean Section.
Conclusions: Caesarean section is a prevailing practice in Basrah city. Women had good knowledge about it but in general they prefer normal vaginal delivery.