Is knowledge and attitude on epidural analgesia during labour satisfactory among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in Colombo District?

Abstract

Labour pain management is a major challenge in maternity care. Epidural analgesia provides safe and effective pain relief during labour. The objective was to assess the knowledge, attitudes and associated factors towards epidural analgesia during labour among pregnant women in Colombo region, Sri Lanka.This was a descriptive study conducted at two selected hospitals in Colombo Sri Lanka. The sample size was 260 and those below 18yrs were excluded. Participants were provided with a pretested questionnaire. Ethical approval was obtained from Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura. Both knowledge and attitude were given separate scores and were categorized as 'good' or 'poor' based on their mean.Within the study population, 41.9% had heard of labour analgesia. Among them, only 6.7% had good knowledge and 15.6% had a positive attitude towards labour epidural analgesia. The patients with good knowledge about labour epidural analgesia had good attitude towards the procedure (p<0.05) and there was a positive association between those who had heard of analgesia and their sources of information.However, as the total level of knowledge and attitudes towards labour epidural analgesia was poor, it is recommended that the health care workers issue pamphlets carrying necessary information following discussions with the pregnant women. After admission they should be given clear information about risks and benefits of the procedure and a post-partum feedback would help in quality improvement.

Allophone immigrant women’s knowledge and perceptions of epidural analgesia for labour pain: a qualitative study

“…Several studies performed in low-income countries, have identified significant barriers to the use of epidural analgesia for labour and delivery. These include costs, availability of specialised staff and material, awareness of existing labour pain management techniques and beliefs that labour pain is natural and good and should not be treated 24–26. In our study of women having migrated from low-income countries, participants from all ethnic groups were aware of the different management techniques for labour pain, of their risks and benefits and had some level of knowledge of the epidural technique itself.…”

Knowledge and Practice of and Attitude Toward Epidural Analgesia Among Pregnant Women in Jazan Region of Saudi Arabia

“…The findings of this study suggest that a lack of sufficient knowledge to make informed decisions is the main reason for the negative attitude. Studies have concluded that the lack of knowledge and women's pride in enduring labor pains are the main reasons for their negative attitudes toward EA [ 11 ]. Nevertheless, only 36% of women considered ordering EA in their next delivery, whereas the rest were either uncertain or do not consider it, which is almost the same attitude as that exhibited by women in the UAE.…”

“…These women's pride in enduring labor pains is the main reason for their negative attitudes toward EA. They primarily lack sufficient knowledge to make informed decisions [ 11 ]. Nonetheless, those who know about EA choose not to use it because of preconceived notions about pain relief during labor pains.…”

“…The primary aim of this study was to establish best practices for medical practitioners regarding women in labor and how to address their fears of pain relief. The overarching fear of adverse outcomes resulting from the injection of EA during labor pain must be addressed [ 11 ]. Doing so will help rejuvenate the enthusiasm of women for pain relief during labor, enabling them to enjoy the benefits of reducing blood pressure and oxygen utilization.…”

Effect of In-service Training Program on Obstetric Nurses , Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Regarding Painless Labor

“…Operational Definition Painless labor: Refers to using pain relieve methods during labor as non-pharmacological and pharmacological methods to help women cope with labor pain or relieve it. (28) , McCauley et al (2017) (29) , Mousa et al (2018) (30) and Delwatta et al (2019) (31) . It was used to assess nurses' attitudes regarding painless labor (non-pharmacological and pharmacological methods).…”