Belief towards caesarean section: A community based study of male partners in Ebonyi State, Nigeria

INTRODUCTION: Caesarean section is a surgical procedure used in delivering a baby by incising the abdomen and uterus of the mother. In a typical Nigerian culture, it is seen as a method to deliver a baby when the mother is not strong. Based on this premise, most men show a very negative attitude towards the procedure. This negative attitude may translate to a belief which might not be wholesome. OBJECTIVES: To assess the belief of male partners towards caesarean section. METHODS: A sample of 400 male partners was investigated. The instrument used for data collection was a 22-item valid and reliable (α = 0.98) questionnaire developed by the researchers. The questionnaire was administered to the participants on face-to-face approach. Data were analysed using percentages, mean, standard deviation, analysis of variance, t-test and multiple regression analysis. RESULTS: Results data showed that the male partners studied had negative beliefs towards caesarean section. Significant differences existed in the belief of the respondents towards caesarean section as it relates to their age, level of education, occupation, religion and location of residence (p < 0.05). Using a stepwise multiple regression model, all the socio-demographic variables studied played out to be significant (p < 0.05) predictors of belief towards the subject matter. CONCLUSION: The male partners have negative belief towards caesarean section and the personal characteristics of the subjects predicted their belief towards the subject matter. The existing phenomenon can be changed through health campaigns and education using healthcare workers and health educators.