Women's knowledge and attitude towards caesarean section in Imphal west district, Manipur

The rapid increase of caesarean section (CS) rate throughout the world has become a serious public health issue since the level of CS is well above the WHO (1985) recommended 15% and it is increasing over time.

To determine the knowledge and attitude towards caesarean section and association between knowledge and attitude with selected variable such as age, ever CS etc.

A cross sectional study was conducted from September 2013 to August 2015 in urban area of Imphal west district among 300 eligible married women belonging to 18 to 35 years. Simple random sampling was adopted and structured interview schedule was used for data collection. Data were analyzed using chi-square test and P-value <0.05 was taken as statistically significant.

92.7% respondents had inadequate knowledge regarding CS. 78% have neutral attitude towards CS. Only 6.7% and 15.3% respondent have favourable and unfavourable attitude towards CS respectively. Knowledge level was significantly higher among those who are 30 to 35 years, studied graduate and above, higher socio-economic status and those who ever had CS.

Although all the women surveyed were aware of CS, majority of them have inadequate knowledge and neutral attitude towards CS. Majority of the women still preferred vaginal delivery and the demand for CS was low.