Women’s Attitude Toward C-Section: Evidence from Bay Regional Hospital in Baidoa, Southwest State of Somalia

Background: The general societal belief among Somali women is that anything other than normal vaginal delivery is riskier than could be imagined or anticipated, no matter the delay or prolongation of labor and related complications. This widely circulated perception has become a reason for many expectant mothers to either completely decline to consider c-section or suffer in prolonged labor that could be fatal to either the mother or the baby or both. Methods:    This study follows several aspects of the triangulation method of research. It adheres to the case study approach by mixing qualitative and quantitative methods. It uses purposive sampling by selecting 19 women who delivered by c-section at Bay Regional Hospital, Baidoa, Southwest State of Somalia. Results: About 58% had believed c-section as ‘very risky’ or ‘risky’ prior to undergoing the procedure; after delivery 89.5% thought it was either ‘very safe’ or ‘safe’, while none of the respondents considered it to be ‘unsafe’ or ‘very unsafe’ anymore. Conclusion: Women’s perception of c-section changed dramatically after undergoing the procedure as compared to their belief before the surgery. It is also remarkable that they would not hesitate in their next delivery by c-section and that they would recommend it to other women in order to avoid fatal complications. Keywords: childbirth, health research, labor complications, medical health