Knowledge, attitude and practice of parturients regarding Epidural Analgesia for labour in a university hospital in Karachi

Mohammed Raheel Minhas, Rehana Kamal, Gauhar Afshan, Hafsa Raheel

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

30 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Objective: To assess the knowledge, sources of knowledge, attitude (fears and misconceptions) regarding Epidural Analgesia (EA) and practices of parturients delivery at Aga Khan University hospital (AKUH). Methods: A hospital based cross sectional study was conducted at the obstetric unit of AKUH, from November to December 2003. A questionnaire was filled through verbal interviews conducted on 448 parturients fulfilling the inclusion criteria. Results: Seventy six percent of the females were aware of epidural analgesia as a labor pain relieving method. However, only 19% availed EA. About 40% had heard about EA from their obstetricians and 64% from friends or relatives. Twenty even percent believed that EA has detrimental effects on the baby while 9% stated that EA can prolong the duration of labour. Conclusion: Majority of the pregnant females delivering at Aga Khan University Hospital were aware of epidural analgesia for labour. However, only a small proportion are availing this service, due to fears and misconceptions.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)63-66
Number of pages4
JournalJournal of the Pakistan Medical Association
Volume55
Issue number2
Publication statusPublished - Feb 2005

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