PAN AFRICAN JOURNAL OF LIFE SCIENCES
e-ISSN: 2672-5924
Volume 9, No. 2, August 2025
Pages 439-445
DOI: 10.36108/pajols/5202/90.0250
Knowledge and Attitude of Pregnant Women on Epidural Analgesia for Labor Pain Reduction at Afe Babalola University Multisystem Hospital, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State
Olubukola E. Abiodun-Ojo1*, Bukola T. Maitanmi 2, Aleruchi L. Oji 3, Waleola B. Ige4, Rich-ard S. Adeola 1, Adetola O. Akinsola1 .
1Faculty of Nursing Sciences, Afe Babalola University, PMB 5454, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria.
2School of Nursing Sciences, Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun-State.
3Department of Nursing Science, River State University, Nkpolu Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt, River State, Nige-ria.
4Department of Nursing Science, Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, Ekiti State
ABSTRACT
Background: Epidural analgesia is the gold standard for managing labor pain. The understanding and attitudes of women regarding epidural analgesia vary greatly, notwithstanding its effectiveness. This study assessed the knowledge and attitude of pregnant women on epidural analgesia for labor pain reduction at Afe Babalola Uni-versity Multi- System Hospital, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State.
Methods: This study adopted a quantitative research approach. Eighty-five respondents were randomly selected among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic through simple random sampling technique. Data was collect-ed utilizing an adapted structured questionnaire.
Results: The data retrieved was coded, entered and analyzed using SPSS version 26.0. Majority, 50 (58.8%) of the respondents age range was 21 – 30 years. 73 (85.9%) were married and 40 (47.1%) were from Yoruba tribe. 68 (80.0%) had tertiary education. More than half, 50 (58.8%) had more than two histories of vaginal birth, 33 (38.8%) has had at least one history of normal vaginal birth. Few of the respondents 21 (24.7%) had poor knowledge of epidural analgesia. Most respondents, 78 (91.8%) had positive attitude towards epidural analgesia. The hypothesis tested showed that there was significant relationship between level of knowledge and the attitude of pregnant women towards epidural analgesia as a labor pain reduction option (P=0.001).
Conclusion: Majority of the pregnant women were aware of epidural analgesia but lack detailed knowledge about its benefits and availability. Enhanced education and counselling can help in promoting utilization of epi-dural analgesia.
Keywords: Attitude, Epidural analgesia, Knowledge, Labour pain, Pregnant women