Pregnant Women Aware of epidural analgesia, had positive attitude towards it and willing to use it, claims study

Epidural analgesia is considered one of the most effective methods for relieving labor pain. Recent research aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of pregnant women attending maternity and antenatal healthcare clinics regarding the use of epidural analgesia for normal vaginal delivery. This study examined pregnant women's awareness, attitudes, and practices regarding the use of epidural analgesia during normal vaginal birth in Palestine. The researchers conducted a multi-center cross-sectional survey among 389 pregnant women visiting maternity and antenatal healthcare clinics. The key findings are: 1. Awareness: The vast majority (97.9%) of pregnant women were aware of the existence of epidural analgesia for normal birth.

The main sources of information were other women who used it before and gynecologists/obstetricians. 2. Usage and Complications: 44.2% of the women had used epidural analgesia before, and 33.1% of them experienced complications as a result. 3. Attitudes: 79.2% of the women stated that epidural analgesia should be available during vaginal birth, and 62.5% said they would use it if offered for free or covered by insurance. 4. Knowledge: Knowledge levels were moderate, with most women knowing that epidural analgesia is effective in reducing labor pain, but many lacking knowledge about its potential adverse effects. 5. Predictors of Knowledge and Willingness: Higher knowledge scores were associated with having used epidural analgesia and experiencing complications. Willingness to use epidural analgesia was predicted by younger age, previous use, and agreement that it should be available.

Conclusion

The researchers conclude that pregnant women had high awareness but moderate knowledge about epidural analgesia. They had positive attitudes, with many willing to use it if made more accessible. The study highlights the need for future educational efforts to inform pregnant women about various pain management approaches and their associated risks and benefits.

Key Points

Here are the 6 key points from the research paper: 1. Awareness: The vast majority (97.9%) of pregnant women were aware of the existence of epidural analgesia for normal birth, with the main sources of information being other women who used it before and gynecologists/obstetricians. 2. Usage and Complications: 44.2% of the women had used epidural analgesia before, and 33.1% of them experienced complications as a result. 3. Attitudes: 79.2% of the women stated that epidural analgesia should be available during vaginal birth, and 62.5% said they would use it if offered for free or covered by insurance. 4. Knowledge: Knowledge levels were moderate, with most women knowing that epidural analgesia is effective in reducing labor pain, but many lacking knowledge about its potential adverse effects. 5. Predictors of Knowledge and Willingness: Higher knowledge scores were associated with having used epidural analgesia and experiencing complications. Willingness to use epidural analgesia was predicted by younger age, previous use, and agreement that it should be available. 6. Conclusion: The researchers concluded that pregnant women had high awareness but moderate knowledge about epidural analgesia. They had positive attitudes, with many willing to use it if made more accessible. The study highlights the need for future educational efforts to inform pregnant women about various pain management approaches and their associated risks and benefits.

Reference 

Ramzi Shawahna, Dana Khaskia, Donya Ali, Hajar Hodroj, Mohammad Jaber, Iyad Maqboul & Hatim Hijaz (2024) Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of pregnant women regarding epidural analgesia: a multicentre study from a developing country, Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 44:1, 2354575, DOI: 10.1080/01443615.2024.235457