Knowledge and attitude of Iranian parturient women towards painless labor: a qualitative survey

ABSTRACT

Few studies have addressed Iranian women's knowledge and attitude about painless labor. To assess the knowledge and attitude of Iranian women about painless labor and also about the use of pain relief methods among women attending maternity cares clinic. Qualitative survey. Obstetric Clinic of the Hafez training and medical center in South of Iran. Aug 2014 Sep 2014. 232 pregnant women participated in face-to-face interviews after selection through convenience random sampling. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect baseline characteristics and information on their knowledge and attitude towards painless labor. We found that 28.9% of the women expressed that they did not have any information about painless labor, while 56.5%, 12.1%, 1.3%, and 1.3% had little, moderate, much, and perfect knowledge about painless labor, respectively. Also, 15% disagreed to choose one of the painless labor methods for current delivery after achieving the information on the methods of painless labor, 23.3% were indifferent, and 61.6% agreed to choose one of the painless labor methods. We found no association between the level of knowledge and age [P=0.694] and also gravidity [P=0.436]. However, the education level of women was directly associated with the level of their knowledge [P=0.028]. Also, employed women and housewives had the highest and lowest level of knowledge, respectively [P=0.002]. The level of knowledge and perception about painless labor is low among Iranian women, suggesting the need to implement a comprehensive program to inform pregnant women about the benefits and limitations of painless labor