Knowledge and Beliefs of Pregnant Women Towards the effect of Cesarean Section Delivery on Women’s Health

Background: Caesarean section (CS) is a major health phenomenon that has a short- and long-term effect on women's health. Aim: The current study aimed to assess knowledge and beliefs of pregnant women towards the effect of cesarean section delivery on women's health. Design: A descriptive research design was utilized for the current study. Sample: Purposive sample of 300 pregnant women were recruited in the current study. Setting: the study was carried out at obstetrics and gynecology outpatient clinics at Menoufia University Hospital. Tools: Three tools were utilized to collect the needed data: 1) Structured interviewing questionnaire; 2) Cesarean section knowledge questionnaire; and 3) Likert belief scale. Results: The mean age of the study sample was 29.86±5.73 years. About 84.30% of them had an unsatisfactory level of knowledge about the effect of CS delivery on women's health as compared to 15.7% of them having a satisfactory level of knowledge. While 77.70% of the study sample had positive beliefs toward the effect of CS on women's health as compared to 22.30% of them had negative beliefs. A statistically significant relation was found between belief categories and total knowledge scores among the study sample regarding the effect of CS on women's health (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The pregnant women had an unsatisfactory level of knowledge and positive beliefs regarding the effect of caesarean section delivery on women's health. Recommendation: Health education programs for pregnant women to increase their awareness of the effects of cesarean section on their health.