Cervical Ripening and Induction of Labor: Awareness, Knowledge, Perception and Attitude of Antenatal Care-Seeking Women at Zagazig University Hospital, Zagazig, Egypt

Objective: To assess awareness, knowledge and perceptions of antenatal care-seeking women about cervical ripening (CR) and induction of labor (IOL), and their attitude towards these interventions. Methods: An observational descriptive cross-sectional study which was conducted at an Egyptian teaching hospital. A questionnaire-based interview covered items on women’s demographic and clinical data, as well as their awareness, knowledge, perception and attitude towards specific methods of CR and IOL. Results: A total of 853 questionnaires were analyzed, and 442 respondents (51.8%) were aware of CR and IOL. Knowledge of Oxytocin use was noted in 215 participants (48.6%), of membrane sweeping in 85 (19.2%), of Foley’s catheter in 110 (24.9%) and of Misoprostol in 84 (19.0%). The procedures were perceived to prevent cesarean section in 219 respondents (49.5%). History of previous IOL was a predictor of awareness (OR: 5.19, 95% CI: 1.6 – 11.23, p = 0.001*). Conclusion: This study showed that only a slightly more than 50% of participants were aware of CR and IOL, and the overall knowledge and perception were sub-optimal. Nevertheless, the attitudes towards the procedures were positive. Improved counselling is required in order to further increase knowledge about CR and IOL, and also correct misbelieves particularly in women at risk of undergoing IOL.