RESUMO
Background: Caesarean section is life-saving, but rising rates are a cause for concern. Perceptions surrounding caesarean delivery may play a significant role in the shared-decision making process. Objective of this study was to explore the perceptions of caesarean section among antenatal, postnatal women and healthcare providers in a rural maternity hospital in Ramanagara district, Karnataka.Methods: Qualitative research methodology was adopted to explore perceptions regarding preferred birthing mode, caesarean and its perceived complications. Focus group discussions and in-depth interviews were conducted with antenatal and postnatal women, their caregivers and health care providers. Inductive coding approach and thematic framework analysis was done.Results: Five major themes emerged regarding perceptions of caesarean section among women in a rural area of Karnataka: understanding, fears, decision making, after-care and prevention. Women had a strong preference for normal vaginal birth, but willing to accept doctor’s decision for caesarean as they believed that it would protect the life of unborn child. Women perceived that caesarean was profitable to the hospital. Common mentioned side effects following caesarean were backache and pain at the surgical site.Conclusions: The understanding regarding caesarean section was adequate. Women had fears linked to caesarean such as pain, inability to work, weight gain, prolonged recovery and caesarean deliveries in subsequent pregnancies. Husbands and other family members as well as the doctors were the important decision makers, while the women themselves had little say in the matter. Obstetricians need to focus on alleviating concerns among pregnant women and their family members regarding caesarean section.
RESUMO
Background: Millions of women face significant barriers in menstrual hygiene management due to inadequate awareness, misconceptions and erroneous practices. The objectives of the study were to assess the awareness, perceptions and practices regarding menstruation and their associated factors among youth of a peri-urban college in Bangalore Urban district.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among both male and female students studying in a degree college. A pre-designed, face-validated structured questionnaire was administered to all students present on the day of the study.Results: Of the 758 students, 372 (49.1%) were male and 386 (50.9%) were female. The mean age was 19.35±1.40 years. A consolidated score above 50% i.e. 07/14 was considered adequate for knowledge. The mean knowledge score was 7.51±2.52. Overall 389 (51.3%) students had adequate knowledge. Awareness levels were significantly better among females (72.3%) than males (29.6%). Among the female students, 384 (99.5%) were aware of sanitary napkins, 165 (42.7%) of menstrual cup, 12 (3.1%) of tampon and 254 (65.8%) of reusable cloth, however majority (96.9%) preferred use of sanitary napkins. Among the female students, 42.6% were expected to follow some social and cultural restrictions during menstruation. Main source of information regarding menstruation and various menstrual products was internet. Misconceptions documented regarding menstruation included the belief that menstrual blood is poisonous (75.2%). Positive attitude towards menstruation was low both among male students (21.5%) and female students (48.4%).Conclusions: Awareness levels were poor among males than females. Practices regarding menstrual hygiene were adequate. However, misconceptions were widely prevalent among both genders indicating the need for health education among college-going childhood.