Labour analgesia: awareness and barriers among healthcare providers at a tertiary care centre

Background: Labour analgesia has evolved from use of ether to modern regional techniques, significantly improving maternal and neonatal outcomes. Despite advancements and awareness and increasing acceptance and utilization remains limited among parturient in India. The aim of the study was to assess knowledge, perceptions of healthcare providers regarding labour analgesia and to identify barriers to its wider implementation. Methods: Mixed-method, cross-sectional survey was conducted among 303 healthcare providers at our institute using a validated questionnaire. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected. Internal consistency and face validity were established during pilot testing. Descriptive and inferential analysis were performed. Results: Of 303 respondents, 60.7% (185) were female and 46.2% (139) were doctors. Although 95% (285) were aware of the term labour analgesia, only 52.8% (161) had witnessed its administration. Approximately one quarter of respondents believed it prolongs duration of labour. Barriers to utilization of labour analgesia by health care workers included lack of availability of anaesthesiologist (14.2%, n=42) and not being offered services (17.8%, n=55). A majority (68.3%, n=207) endorsed antenatal education, and 56.1% (n=170) supported its inclusion in government hospitals. Conclusions: Despite awareness of labour analgesia being high, utilization was limited due to systemic barriers. Increased training and practice of labour analgesia in teaching institutes may help build trust and enhance its utilization.