Annals of Clinical Medicine and Medical Research (ISSN 2994-7464) | Volume 2, Issue 1 | | Open Access
Onyemereze CO*
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Port-Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Rivers State, Nigeria
2Department of Physiology, Abia State University, Uturu, Nigeria
3Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Abia State University, Uturu, Nigeria
4Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Babcock University, Ilishan. Ogun State, Nigeria
5Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Rivers State, Nigeria
6Department of Surgery, Abia State University, Uturu, Nigeria
7Department of Biochemistry, Lead City University, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
*Correspondence to: Onyemereze CO
Fulltext PDFBackground: Epidural analgesia is recognized as an effective method for labor pain management; however, its utilization remains low in Nigeria. This study examines the factors influencing the adoption of epidural analgesia among obstetric caregivers in Southeast Nigeria, encompassing knowledge, attitudes, practice, and accessibility.
Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted across selected healthcare facilities in Southeast Nigeria, including tertiary, secondary, and primary care centers. A multistage sampling technique recruited 265 obstetric caregivers (obstetricians, anesthetists, midwives, and nurses) with at least one year of experience. Data were collected via a structured, self-administered questionnaire, validated through expert review and pilot testing (Cronbach's alpha: 0.7). Descriptive statistics summarized demographics, knowledge, attitudes, and practice.
Results: Of the participants, 63.02% were female, with 40% having 11–15 years of experience. Although 100% of caregivers were aware of epidural analgesia, 29.81% had not received formal training. While 73.21% of facilities offered epidural analgesia, frequent use was limited by barriers such as high cost (42.96%), lack of trained personnel (26.30%), and limited equipment (9.81%). Positive attitudes towards epidural use were prevalent, yet only 18.49% reported adequate staff training.
Conclusion: The utilization of epidural analgesia in Southeast Nigeria is influenced by caregiver training, resource availability, and cultural beliefs. Improving training, funding, and patient education could enhance utilization rates.
Epidural analgesia, Obstetric caregivers, Labor pain management, Southeast Nigeria, Healthcare barriers, Caregiver attitudes, Maternal healthcare
Ezebuiro EI, Mba KK, Mba CJ, Onyemereze CO, Ezirim EO, Akwuruoha EM, et al. Factors Influencing the Utilization of Epidural Analgesia among Obstetric Caregivers in Southeast Nigeria.Annal of Clin Med & Med Res. 2024;2(1):1-15.