Antenatal Women’s Knowledge and Preference in Mode of Delivery in Health Institutions of Mahalaxmi Municipality

Introduction: Vaginal delivery is a natural and acceptable mode of delivery. However, due to a lack of knowledge and fear of labour pain during labour, most women prefer a surgical mode of childbirth. Nowadays, there is an increasing trend of caesarean section more than the WHO recommendation. So, this study aimed to assess the maternal knowledge and preferences in mode of delivery in health institutions of Mahalaxmi Municipality. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 211 pregnant women from KIST Medical College and Lubhoo Primary Health Care Centre. Samples were selected by using a simple random sampling through the lottery method. Data were collected with a structured interview schedule and analysed in SPSS version 16. Logistic regression was used to identify the factors of knowledge and preference towards the mode of delivery. Results: About two-thirds participants had inadequate knowledge however they preferred vaginal mode of delivery. Adequate knowledge was associated with increment in age [AOR:3.7, 95% CI (1.1-12.9)], higher education level [AOR: 3.4, 95% CI (1.42- 8.40)], employed and self-employer [AOR: 3.32, 95% CI (1.50-7.35)], and previous vaginal mode of delivery along with primi women [AOR: 7.46, 95% CI (1.55-35.71)]. The factors for preference for vaginal mode of delivery were previous vaginal mode of delivery [AOR: 64.01, 95% CI (7.31-560.02)], adequate knowledge score [AOR: 6.10, 95% CI (2.70-13.77)], and knowledge statements of infection risk [AOR: 3.05, 95% CI (1.20-7.79)]. Conclusion: Majority pregnant women had inadequate knowledge on mode of delivery however they preferred vaginal delivery. Appropriate antenatal counselling and broad investigation in the preferred mode of delivery are necessary.