Women's opinions and experiences with induction of labor and cesarean delivery on request in south eastern Nigeria

Objective

To assess the opinions and experiences of women regarding induction of labor and cesarean delivery on request in south eastern Nigeria.

Method

Women were interviewed using questionnaires on their awareness of their right to request labor induction and/or a cesarean delivery, and of their experience and opinion of the procedures.

Results

Of the 15.1% of the respondents who knew they could request a cesarean delivery, 2.4% had requested one; and of the 56.3% who knew they could request labor induction, 6.9% had requested one. Only 5.3% and 11.3% of the respondents who would chose the former or the latter procedure, respectively, said that they would insist on receiving it. Fear of their physicians' negative attitude regarding the procedures, and/or abandonment of care, ranked highest among their reasons for not insisting.

Conclusion

In south eastern Nigeria few women are aware of their right to a cesarean delivery on request and the rate of refusal to perform such deliveries is high among physicians; more women are aware of their right to receive induction of labor on request and the acceptance rate is higher among physicians; and most women are unwilling to insist that their physician respect their choice.