FEAR AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN SCHEDULED FOR CESAREAN SECTION AND THEIR COPING MECHANISMS A STUDY AT KUMASI SOUTH HOSPITAL

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the cause of fear among expectant mothers scheduled for caesarean section. The study was conducted at Kumasi South Hospital. The data collection instrument was a questionnaire structure in English and made up of both open and closed ended questions. From the findings of the study, it was concluded that, most expectant women undergoing caesarean Section experienced fear. Out of all respondents, 29 (96.67%) noted affirmatively that they were afraid to go through caesarean section operation. However, they are able to cope with these fears by believing in God and relying on the counsel of the nurses and surgical team. The factors that contribute to these fears that pregnant women scheduled for caesarean section go through included, pain, infection, anesthesia, death and scar formation. Based on the findings, the nurses and surgical team must be equipped with the necessary resources to ensure that they carry out effective counseling for the patients who are scheduled for caesarean section operation. Such counseling must take place at a time the patients are calmed and in a position to accept the treatment.