Factors influencing the acceptance of cesarean sections among women of reproductive age in ekiti state, Nigeria

The study examined factors influencing the acceptance of cesarean sections among Women of Reproductive age in Ekiti State. Specifically, the study assessed how socio-demographic and socio-economic factors influenced the acceptance of cesarean sections. A descriptive survey research design was employed for the study. The population for this study consisted of women of reproductive age spread across the three senatorial districts of Ekiti State. The sample for the study was 325 women of reproductive age whose selection was based on multistage sampling procedure. An interviewer administered questionnaire was used to collect data for the study. The reliability of the instrument was determined through Cronbach's Alpha method and a reliability co-efficient of 0.9 was obtained. All data obtained were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The research questions were analyzed with descriptive statistics using frequency counts, percentage, mean and standard deviation. Hypotheses formulated were tested using linear and multiple regression analysis at 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed that age, educational status, religious belief, cultural belief and socio-economic status respectively has significant influence on acceptance of cesarean sections among the participants. It was therefore recommended that public health officials should re-orientate women of reproductive age on cesarean sections as an alternative means of child delivery; elderly Primigravida and Multigravida women should be encouraged to undergo cesarean sections delivery if there are indications for it in order to reduce the risk of complications through vaginal delivery method.