PREFERENCE OF BIRTH DELIVERY MODES AMONG WOMEN ATTENDING ANTENATAL AND POSTNATAL CLINICS IN THE TAMALE METROPOLIS OF GHANA

Abstract

Introduction: Spontaneous vaginal delivery is the commonest mode of delivery globally, particularly in remote areas of resource constrained countries where modern healthcare is limited. This study sought to establish among antennal and postnatal attendees, women’s preferences regarding modes of delivery and the factors influencing their choices of delivery. Methods: This cross sectional hospital based study was conducted at the antenatal and post-natal care units of the obstetrics and gynaecology department of the Tamale Teaching Hospital. Data on respondents’ demographic characteristics, their preferred mode of birth delivery, and the reasons influencing their choice of delivery modes were collected via a structured closed and opened ended questionnaire. Results: A total of 499 women were interviewed. Majority (86.6%), of the respondents were within the ages of 18 to 34 years with modal age of 30 years and a mean age of 27.9 ± 5.6 years. In all, 85.0% (424) and 12.0% (60) preferred spontaneous vaginal delivery (SVD) and SVD with epidural anaesthesia respectively, while 3.0% (15) preferred delivery by elective caesarean section (CS). Majority (97.2%) of the respondents took self-decisions on their preferred mode of delivery. However, those who were influenced by healthcare workers were 1%, while 0.4% was influenced by their husbands and other family members respectively. Conclusion: In conclusion, the study revealed that the respondents most preferred choice of mode of delivery was SVD, followed by SVD with epidural anaesthesia, with caesarean section being the least preferred. The respondents’ have relatively low external influence regarding their preferred choice of delivery.