By: Rebecca Paye Vanahor, Dr Blasio Osogo Omuga and Dr. Waithira Mirie
Abstract
The rate of Caesarean section delivery being undertaken is rising both locally and internationally. Though Caesarean Section is aimed at ensuring safe deliveries in complicated conditions, the exact post effect it has on the mother’s psychology is not well established by the existing literature. Caesarean birth may be experienced as a traumatic encounter for the mother resulting in both immediate and long term consequences. Despite some mothers recovering fully, others still face psychological difficulties and this raises much concern. This study sought to determine the demographic factors associated with psychological effects of caesarean section. This was a descriptive cross-sectional research study conducted at Kenyatta National Hospital postnatal wards on mothers who had had caesarean section delivery. Qualitative data was analyzed using content analysis while quantitative data was analyzed through descriptive and inferential analysis. SPSS was applied in quantitative data entry and analysis. Findings were presented in tables and figures. 61.8 % of 217 (n=134) of the mothers experienced psychological effects of caesarean section; majority reporting having experienced numerous effects. The study found that women who were 20 years or less were slightly more than 3 times likely to experience psychological effects of caesarean section compared to those who were above 40 years old, (OR 3.324 p= 0.041). Other demographic factors found to be associated with psychological effects of caesarean section included; fewer number of living children (OR 2.720 p= 0.007) and low parity (OR 2.612 p= 0.001). The study concludes that majority of mothers experience psychological effects as a result of caesarean section delivery, in addition, some experience more than one of the effects. The findings may be used by the hospital’s administration to evaluate the protocols on post caesarean section care and psychological management. It also contributes to the body of knowledge on psychological effects of caesarean section and can be utilized by other researchers.
Key Words: Caesarean Section rates, Demographic factors, Caesarean Section, Psychological effects
URL: https://www.ijcab.org/201800866/ View Full Article
This is an open-access article published and distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, United States unless otherwise stated.
About the Authors:
- Rebecca Paye Vanahor- Correspondent Author, University of Nairobi, Kenya
- Dr Blasio Osogo Omuga- Lecturer, University of Nairobi, Kenya
- Dr. Waithira Mirie- Senior Lecturer, University of Nairobi, Kenya