SOCIAL CONSTRUCTION OF KNOWLEDGE OF CAESAREAN SECTION AMONG WOMEN WHO HAVE UNDERGONE THE PROCESS IN THE TAMALE TEACHING HOSPITAL, NORTHERN REGION.

Caesarean section (CS) is usually indicated when a vaginal delivery would put the baby or mother at risk. Even though women know the benefits of CS, they were interested in vaginal delivery to be recognized as women in their social context. The study sought to determine the prevalence of caesarean section among women who delivered at the Tamale Teaching Hospital within a five-year duration and to assess the social construction of knowledge of those who delivered through caesarean section within the study period. This hospital-based descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among women who reside in the Tamale Metropolis. The study employed both qualitative and quantitative methods to assess the prevalence, the knowledge, acceptance, and socio-cultural factors influencing the delays and/or refusal of caesarean section. A total of 10,604 caesarean sections were conducted during the five periods under review with an average yearly procedure of 2,120 sections. The prevalence of CS in the study was found to be high (27.4%). Majority of respondents had adequate knowledge about caesarean section (risks and effects) and expressed different understanding of caesarean sections based on their experiences and knowledge with a great influence of culture. Women did not have a choice to decline the caesarean section in the study hospital because they were performed as an emergency CS or with indication. The findings from the study revealed that participants beliefs about CS were obtained through significant others (community members). Major reasons given for not wanting to undergo CS were fear of complications, fear of pain during and after surgery and it not being a natural process. Social perception of womanhood emerged strongly as an order of socialization and showed that women in the study experienced some form of social abuse in their respective communities after the CS. Ministry of Health should ensure that all health personnel especially nurses and midwives have location-based training on socio-cultural beliefs about CS and health care providers should ensure organized tailored-made programs on psychosocial counselling for women before and after CS.