The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, sources of knowledge, attitudes (fears and misconceptions) toward epidural analgesia (EA), and practices of parturient delivery in the Jazan region of Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional study was conducted using a self-administered survey questionnaire distributed in the antenatal care clinics of the obstetric departments of major hospitals. A total of 454 women participated in this study. Of the participants, 219 (48%) belonged to the 31 to 40-year age group and 134 (30%) to the 21 to 30-year age group. Most participants (344, 76%) had a bachelor's degree. The prevalence of epidural catheter use was 23.6% among pregnant women. Statistically significant differences in educational level and residence were found between the women (p < 0.001). The two most common sources of information cited by the pregnant women were healthcare staff and family and friends. The most common motive reported by women was to relieve labor pain effectively, and the most frequently cited barriers preventing women from receiving EA were the possibility of injury to important organs and the inability to walk after EA. The present study demonstrates a low level of knowledge about EA among pregnant women in the region. More awareness and guidance about EA are warranted.
Keywords: awareness; epidural analgesia; knowledge; pregnancy; women.
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