Abstract
Background: Although episiotomy is one of the most common surgical procedures, there is still not a lot of research on patients' experience, knowledge and attitudes.
Methods: A structured questionnaire was developed and carried out online to evaluate the knowledge and attitudes toward episiotomy among pregnant women and women who hadgiven birth in the previous three years.
Results: In this study, 1394 respondents were included. 72.6% of respondents knew what episiotomy was and why the procedure was performed, and 50.9% of those women acknowledged that before labour they did not receive an adequate amount of information. There is a correlation between the knowledge of episiotomies and refusal of the procedure (Spearman’s r=-0.133, p≤0.001). In case of insufficient information, women were more likely to refuse the procedure. 36.2% of women who experienced episiotomy were informed about the procedure and gave their consent to it and 51.9% did not, the rest could not give a concrete answer.
Conclusions: Women are not provided with sufficient information about episiotomies during pregnancy. In the majority of cases, patient involvement inthe decision-making is not observed. Women must be provided with choices and obtaining their consent should be an integral part of the procedure.
Keywords: Episiotomy, Perineal lacerations, Childbirth, Qualitative research
Methods: A structured questionnaire was developed and carried out online to evaluate the knowledge and attitudes toward episiotomy among pregnant women and women who hadgiven birth in the previous three years.
Results: In this study, 1394 respondents were included. 72.6% of respondents knew what episiotomy was and why the procedure was performed, and 50.9% of those women acknowledged that before labour they did not receive an adequate amount of information. There is a correlation between the knowledge of episiotomies and refusal of the procedure (Spearman’s r=-0.133, p≤0.001). In case of insufficient information, women were more likely to refuse the procedure. 36.2% of women who experienced episiotomy were informed about the procedure and gave their consent to it and 51.9% did not, the rest could not give a concrete answer.
Conclusions: Women are not provided with sufficient information about episiotomies during pregnancy. In the majority of cases, patient involvement inthe decision-making is not observed. Women must be provided with choices and obtaining their consent should be an integral part of the procedure.
Keywords: Episiotomy, Perineal lacerations, Childbirth, Qualitative research
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 3247-3253 |
Journal | International Journal of Reproduction, Contraception, Obstetrics and Gynecology |
Volume | 11 |
Issue number | 12 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 11 Dec 2022 |
Field of Science*
- 3.2 Clinical medicine
Publication Type*
- 1.4. Reviewed scientific article published in Latvia or abroad in a scientific journal with an editorial board (including university editions)