Abstract

Labor analgesia plays an essential role in managing pain during childbirth, yet its utilization remains low among pregnant women in many settings, including the Buea Regional Hospital in Cameroon. This study examines the knowledge, attitudes, and barriers that limit the use of labor analgesia among pregnant women attending antenatal care (ANC) at the hospital.

A cross-sectional descriptive study design was used, targeting 200 pregnant women attending ANC clinics. Participants were selected through convenience sampling, and data was collected using structured questionnaires covering demographic information, knowledge of labor analgesia, attitudes toward pain management during labor, and factors affecting the decision to use analgesia. Descriptive statistics were applied to summarize findings, and chi-square tests assessed associations between demographic factors and knowledge levels.

The results revealed that only 30% of participants had heard of labor analgesia, with 20% understanding its benefits for pain relief and relaxation. Epidural analgesia was the most commonly known method among this group, although general knowledge remained limited. Attitudes toward labor analgesia were mixed; 40% of respondents viewed it positively, expressing interest in pain relief options, while others harbored concerns about potential side effects and cultural beliefs, with 35% preferring natural childbirth as a rite of passage.

Key barriers to labor analgesia utilization included inadequate information from healthcare providers (60%), fear of side effects (50%), and cultural influences that emphasize pain endurance as a natural part of labor (40%). Financial constraints also emerged as a hindering factor for 30% of the participants, affecting their access to pain management options. Further analysis highlighted that participants with higher education levels and those who had received prior counseling on labor analgesia were more open to considering it during childbirth.

The findings suggest that enhancing awareness of labor analgesia through targeted antenatal counseling could improve its acceptance and usage among pregnant women. Addressing misconceptions and cultural beliefs regarding pain management in labor, as well as reducing financial and informational barriers, may encourage women to explore available analgesic options. The study advocates for integrating pain management education into routine ANC visits and for healthcare providers to engage in open discussions to dispel myths about labor analgesia.

Keywords: Labor analgesia, pain management, antenatal care, pregnant women, Buea Regional Hospital, knowledge and attitudes, cultural barriers, Cameroon.