BACKGROUND

Caesarean section (CS) rates have been increasing steadily globally. The safety of the procedure has resulted in some women requesting it in the absence of any medical indication, particularly in the developed countries.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the awareness and perceptions of and attitudes towards caesarean delivery among antenatal clinic (ANC) attendants in a Ghanaian teaching hospital.

DESIGN

Descriptive cross-sectional study.

SETTING

The ANC of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Kumasi, Ghana.

METHODS

A 13-point structured questionnaire containing items on demographic characteristics and assessment of knowledge of, perceptions and attitudes towards caesarean delivery was administered to women attending the hospital's antenatal clinic from 1(st) December to 31(st) December, 2006.

RESULTS

Of 317 women interviewed 304 (96%) had heard of the operation; however only 43 (13.5%) could mention specific indications for it. Vaginal delivery was preferred by 296 (93.3%) while 11 (3.5%) preferred planned caesarean delivery; the remaining 10 (3.2%) were undecided. Although 164 (51.7%) perceived it as being dangerous to the mother and baby, 287 (90.5%) were willing to undergo the operation when indicated; 19 (6%) would refuse the operation even when indicated. Almost all the women, 311 (98.1%), wanted caesarean section to be part of client education at the antenatal clinic and 314 (99.1%) wanted to be informed about the specific indication before surgery.

CONCLUSION

There is a high level of awareness of caesarean delivery among ANC attendants at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital. Client education is necessary to address some concerns on safety of and indications for the operation.