Knowledge, attitude and practice of parturients regarding Epidural Analgesia for labour in a university hospital in Karachi
Mohammed Raheel Minhas, Rehana Kamal, Gauhar Afshan, Hafsa Raheel, Mohammed Raheel Minhas, Rehana Kamal, Gauhar Afshan, Hafsa Raheel
Abstract
Objective: To assess the knowledge, sources of knowledge, attitude (fears and misconceptions) regarding Epidural Analgesia (EA) and practices of parturients delivery at Aga Khan University hospital (AKUH).
Methods: A hospital based cross sectional study was conducted at the obstetric unit of AKUH, from November to December 2003. A questionnaire was filled through verbal interviews conducted on 448 parturients fulfilling the inclusion criteria.
Results: Seventy six percent of the females were aware of epidural analgesia as a labor pain relieving method. However, only 19% availed EA. About 40% had heard about EA from their obstetricians and 64% from friends or relatives. Twenty even percent believed that EA has detrimental effects on the baby while 9% stated that EA can prolong the duration of labour.
Conclusion: Majority of the pregnant females delivering at Aga Khan University Hospital were aware of epidural analgesia for labour. However, only a small proportion are availing this service, due to fears and misconceptions.
Source: PubMed