Knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of antenatal women to postpartum bilateral tubal ligation at Greys Hospital, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the associations between socio-demographic factors and the general knowledge, the attitudes and perceptions of women attending antenatal clinic at Greys Hospital regarding postpartum tubal ligation (BTL). METHODS: A prospective cross-sectional study describing the perceptions about BTL in 241 pregnant women was conducted. RESULTS: One hundred and sixty six (68.9%) participants needed to involve their partners before tubal ligation. Thirty five percent of 102 participants who would not have BTL against partner's wish were unemployed. Eighty three (34.4%) participants, mostly with secondary and tertiary education believed that successful reversal of BTL is guaranteed. Fifty two percent of participants, predominantly with no formal schooling and primary education levels were unaware of the risk of falling pregnant after BTL. Sixty seven (27.8%) participants, predominantly with primary education or no formal schooling believed that BTL protects against STIs and HIV. Seventy eight (32.4%) of participants would not have BTL due to religious beliefs, however, participants from the same religion gave different answers to the question. CONCLUSION: The study showed a significant lack of knowledge on key points of BTL. Socio-demographic factors still influence this subject and should not be underestimated during counselling of the patients to reduce potential morbidity and litigation.