title: Cervical ripening and induction of labour-awareness, knowledge and perception of antenatal attendees in Ibadan, Nigeria.
abstract: The levels of awareness, knowledge and the perceptions of women about cervical ripening and induction of labour were assessed in a cross-sectional questionnaire-based interview of 265 antenatal attendees of the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria from 1 March to 30 April 2009. Questions included evaluated sociodemographic data, obstetric history, awareness of both procedures and knowledge of specific methods. Data analysis was done using SPSS v.14.0 for Windows; frequency tables were utilised to determine proportions and significant variables from χ(2) analysis were entered into a logistic regression model. The majority of respondents were between 26 and 34 years; 56.4% were nulliparous. Awareness of cervical ripening and induction of labour was found in 71% of respondents. Knowledge of misoprostol and Foley's catheter however, was present in 25% and 13% of all women, respectively. Both procedures were perceived to prevent caesarean section or reduce burden of health workers in 16% of respondents. No significant predictor of knowledge was found but history of previous induction was a predictor of awareness (p < 0.05). Improved counselling is required to further increase knowledge of methods for induction and correct wrong perceptions, particularly in women at risk of labour induction.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University College Hospital, Nigeria. nabbollini@gmail.com
authors.forename: O O
authors.initials: OO
authors.lastname: Enabor
authors.forename: O O
authors.initials: OO
authors.lastname: Olayemi
authors.forename: F A
authors.initials: FA
authors.lastname: Bello
authors.forename: B O
authors.initials: BO
authors.lastname: Adedokun
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D020070:Cervical Ripening; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice / Q000208:ethnology; D006801:Humans; D007751:Labor, Induced; D009549:Nigeria; D009790:Occupations; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011247:Pregnancy; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires