Knowledge, attitude and practice of parturients regarding epidural analgesia for Labour in a University Hospital in Karachi

ABSTRACT

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]. 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. Seventy six% 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% believed that EA has detrimental effects on the baby while 9% stated that EA can prolong the duration of labour. 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