Knowledge, attitude, and practice of childbearing women toward epidural anesthesia during normal vaginal delivery in Alsanayeah Primary Health Care in Khamis Mushait

BACKGROUND: Labor pain is a severe form of agony that females experience while giving birth. A lot of pregnant women prefer epidural anesthesia (EA) to avoid labor pain. OBJECTIVE: This study focuses on women's general awareness about EA during the childbearing age. METHODS: A cross-sectional, hospital-based study was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire. The study included all females of childbearing age getting routine antenatal care. The survey was designed to measure their awareness toward EA. A total of 328 females participated in the study. Of these, 205 (62.5%) women showed a low level of knowledge toward EA. Data were analyzed using the Chi-square test and Independent Samples t-test. RESULTS: Participants in our study included 328 women of childbearing age. Most women (172 [52.4%]) participating in the study were aged between 30 and 40 years. In terms of education, 204 (62.2%) women had university-level education. Two hundred and ninety (88.4%) women were multipara. The majority of women (205 [62.5%]) had a low-level knowledge about EA with a significant relationship between the level of perception and primary education, as well as postgraduation with P < 0.023 and P < 0.001, respectively. Also, previous EA with pregnancy significantly related to the level of knowledge with P < 0.001. Through past pregnancies, 106 (32.3%) women had experience with EA. Of these, EA caused complications in only 13 (12.3%) women and side effects in 29 (27.4%) women. CONCLUSION: The majority of women of childbearing age had limited knowledge about the benefits and complications associated with EA. During the antenatal visit, it is essential to educate all women about EA. This could be done by the obstetrician, anesthesiologist, or midwives and/or through flyers and brochures.