KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE OF IRANIAN PARTURIENT WOMEN TOWARDS PAINLESS LABOR

A QUALITATIVE SURVEY

Authors

  • Laleh Dehghanpisheh Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
  • Golnar Sabetian Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
  • Zohre Faghirzade Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
  • Mohammad Ali Sahmeddini Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29309/TPMJ/2015.22.07.1228

Keywords:

Pregnancy, Labor Pain, Anesthesia, Knowledge, Attitude

Abstract

Background: Few studies have addressed Iranian women’s knowledge and
attitude about painless labor. Objectives: 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. Study Design: Qualitative survey. Setting: Obstetric Clinic of
the Hafez training and medical center in South of Iran. Period: Aug 2014 Sep 2014. Materials
and Methods: 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.
Results: 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). Conclusion: 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.

Author Biographies

Laleh Dehghanpisheh, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.

Assistant Professor of
Anesthesiology,
Shiraz Anesthesiology and Critical
Care Research Center

Golnar Sabetian, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.

Assistant Professor of
Anesthesiology,
Shiraz Anesthesiology and Critical
Care Research Center

Zohre Faghirzade, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.

Nurse of Anesthesia,
Shiraz Anesthesiology and Critical
Care Research Center

Mohammad Ali Sahmeddini, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.

Associate Professor of
Anesthesiology,
Shiraz Anesthesiology and Critical
Care Research Center

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Published

2015-07-10