KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE, AND PRACTICE OF LABOR ANALGESIA IN ANTENATAL WOMEN IN AMALAPURAM: A CROSS-SECTIONAL OBSERVATIONAL STUDY.

Varada  Hasamnis; Mohammed Safiya  Shaik; Kagita Vasudha  Bhargavi

doi:10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i3.1687

Authors

Varada A Hasamnis Senior Resident, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Konaseema Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Foundation, Amalapuram, Andhra Pradesh, India.
Mohammed Safiya Shaik Post Graduate, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Konaseema Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Foundation, Amalapuram, Andhra Pradesh, India.
Kagita Vasudha Bhargavi Assistant Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology atKonaseema Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Foundation, Amalapuram, Andhra Pradesh, India.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i3.1687

Keywords:

Labor analgesia, antenatal women, awareness, attitude, pain relief, obstetrics, India

Abstract

Background

Labor analgesia is crucial for managing labor pain, yet its awareness and acceptance remain low in many developing regions. This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding labor analgesia among antenatal women in Amalapuram, a rural area in India.

Methods

An observational cross-sectional study was conducted with 150 antenatal women aged 18-40 years attending the antenatal clinic at a tertiary care hospital. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire that assessed demographics, knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding labor analgesia. Statistical analysis was performed using Microsoft Excel 2016.

Results

Of the 150 women surveyed, 25% were aware of labor analgesia. The majority (62%) of the 112 unaware respondents expressed interest in learning more, primarily preferring to receive information during obstetric consultations (55%). Concerns regarding labor analgesia were mainly centered around safety (85.3%) and its potential impact on the baby (56%). Regarding attitudes, 76% of participants feared labor analgesia, and 92.6% believed healthcare providers should offer it. Only 30% expressed interest in opting for labor analgesia in future pregnancies, with 70% preferring a natural birth. Knowledge dissemination was largely limited to family and social media sources.

Conclusion

The study reveals a low awareness of labor analgesia among antenatal women in Amalapuram, with significant interest in learning more about it. Healthcare providers, especially obstetricians, should be proactive in educating women during the antenatal period to increase acceptance of pain relief methods, which could improve maternal comfort and birth outcomes.

Recommendations

To improve awareness and acceptance of labor analgesia, healthcare providers, particularly obstetricians, should actively educate antenatal women during early pregnancy visits. Addressing misconceptions, enhancing communication, and providing clear, accurate information about pain relief options can help increase utilization. Further studies should explore cultural factors influencing pain relief choices in diverse populations.

Author Biographies

Varada A Hasamnis, Senior Resident, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Konaseema Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Foundation, Amalapuram, Andhra Pradesh, India.

Dr. Varada A Hasamnis is a Senior Resident at the Konaseema Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Foundation, Amalapuram, Andhra Pradesh, India. She completed her MBBS from Dr. DY Patil Medical College, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, and further pursued her Diploma in Obstetrics and Gynaecology from Lokmanya Tilak Municipal Medical College, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. Dr. Hasamnis also holds a Fellowship in Midwifery and a Diploma in Family Planning from the College of Physicians and Surgeons, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. With over 20 years of clinical experience in the field of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, she has authored 15 publications, contributing significantly to the advancement of medical knowledge in her field. Her research interests include women's health, reproductive medicine, and family planning. Dr. Varada Hasamnis https://orcid.org:0009-0002-8860-7183

Mohammed Safiya Shaik, Post Graduate, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Konaseema Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Foundation, Amalapuram, Andhra Pradesh, India.

Dr. Mohammed Safiya Shaik is a postgraduate in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the Konaseema Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Foundation, Amalapuram, Andhra Pradesh, India. She completed her MBBS at the NRI Academy of Medical Sciences, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, and has authored one publication. Dr. Mohammed Safiya Shaik https://orcid.org:0009-0002-5011-6813

Kagita Vasudha Bhargavi, Assistant Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology atKonaseema Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Foundation, Amalapuram, Andhra Pradesh, India.

Dr. Kagita Vasudha Bhargavi is an Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Konaseema Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Foundation, Amalapuram, Andhra Pradesh, India. She completed her MBBS from Andhra Medical College and MS from Maulana Azad Medical College, Delhi. Dr. Kagita Vasudha Bhargavi https://orcid.org:0009-0002-0834-1726

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