Poor acceptance of caesarean section in Zimbabwe

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Public Health
• Maternal Health

Background:

• Caesarean Section (C.S.) is a common surgical procedure for childbirth.
• Understanding patient acceptance and awareness of risks associated with repeat C.S. is crucial for maternal healthcare.
• Previous C.S. can influence subsequent delivery choices and outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the acceptance of repeat Caesarean Section (C.S.) among women in Gweru, Zimbabwe.
• To compare the behavior of women with a prior C.S. to a control group.
• To identify implications for medical training and public health policy in African countries.

Main Methods:

• A survey was conducted in a maternity hospital in Gweru, Zimbabwe.
• The study compared 210 pregnant women with a previous C.S. to a control group of 278 women with no C.S. history.
• Data collected included antenatal attendance, stage of labor upon arrival, and attitudes towards repeat C.S.

Main Results:

• Women with a previous C.S. were less likely to attend antenatal clinics.
• These women frequently presented to the hospital in advanced labor stages.
• The majority expressed a desire against repeat C.S. and were unaware of associated high risks.

Conclusions:

• There is a significant gap in awareness regarding the risks of repeat Caesarean Section (C.S.) among women in this Zimbabwean population.
• Suboptimal antenatal care attendance and late presentation in labor were observed in women with prior C.S.
• Findings highlight the need for improved patient education and targeted public health strategies for maternal care in the region.