Psychological Effects of Caesarean Section on Mothers Delivered at Kenyatta National Hospital

Abstract

Problem statement: The rate of Caesarean section delivery being undertaken is in the rising trend both locally and internationally. Though Caesarean Section is aimed at ensuring safe deliveries in complicated conditions, the exact post effect it has on the mother’s psychology is not well established by the existing literature. Caesarean birth may be experienced as a traumatic encounter for the mother resulting in both immediate and long term consequences. Despite some mothers recovering fully, others still face psychological difficulties and this raises much concern. Purpose of the study: To establish the psychological effects of C-Section on mothers delivered at obstetric wards in Kenyatta National Hospital, taking into consideration the demographic, socio-economic, cultural, hospital related and maternal factors associated with the psychological effects. Study design: This was a descriptive cross-sectional research study conducted at Kenyatta National Hospital postnatal wards on mothers who had had caesarean section delivery. Data analysis: Qualitative data was analyzed using content analysis while quantitative data was analyzed through descriptive and inferential analysis. SPSS was applied in quantitative data entry and analysis. Findings were presented in tables and figures. Findings: 61.8 % of 217 (n=134) of the mothers experienced psychological effects of caesarean section; majority reporting having experienced numerous effects. The study found that women who were 20 years or less were slightly more than 3 times likely to experience psychological effects of caesarean section compared to those who were above 40 years old, (OR 3.324 p= 0.041).Other demographic factors found to be associated with psychological effects of caesarean section included; fewer number of living children (OR 2.720 p= 0.007) and low parity (OR 2.612 p= 0.001). The economic factor of low monthly income was found to be associated with psychological effects of caesarean section. Those who earned Ksh 0- 10 000 and Ksh11-20 000 were 3 times and almost 4 times (respectively) more likely to experience psychological effects of caesarean section compared to those who earned a monthly income of more than Ksh 30 000, (OR 3.029, 3.778 p= 0.031). Cultural factors such as the relatives` negative view of caesarean section, negative cultural practices towards caesarean section and failure of the mother to belong to a social group were found to be associated with psychological effects of caesarean section. The hospital related factors such as inadequate health service providers and failure of counselling the mother before and after the caesarean section delivery were also found to be associated with psychological effects of caesarean section. Conclusion: The study concludes that Majority of mothers experience psychological effects as a result of caesarean section delivery, in addition, some experience more than one of the effects. Benefits of findings: The findings may be used by the hospital’s administration to evaluate the protocols on post caesarean section care and psychological management. It also contributes to the body of knowledge on psychological effects of caesarean section and can be utilized by other researchers.