KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE OF IRANIAN PARTURIENT WOMEN TOWARDS PAINLESS LABOR

A QUALITATIVE SURVEY

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.