Cervical ripening and induction of labour-awareness, knowledge and perception of antenatal attendees in Ibadan, Nigeria

The levels of awareness, knowledge and the perceptions of women about cervical ripening and induction of labour were assessed in a cross-sectional questionnaire-based interview of 265 antenatal attendees of the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria from 1 March to 30 April 2009. Questions included evaluated sociodemographic data, obstetric history, awareness of both procedures and knowledge of specific methods. Data analysis was done using SPSS v.14.0 for Windows; frequency tables were utilised to determine proportions and significant variables from χ2 analysis were entered into a logistic regression model. The majority of respondents were between 26 and 34 years; 56.4% were nulliparous. Awareness of cervical ripening and induction of labour was found in 71% of respondents. Knowledge of misoprostol and Foley's catheter however, was present in 25% and 13% of all women, respectively. Both procedures were perceived to prevent caesarean section or reduce burden of health workers in 16% of respondents. No significant predictor of knowledge was found but history of previous induction was a predictor of awareness (p < 0.05). Improved counselling is required to further increase knowledge of methods for induction and correct wrong perceptions, particularly in women at risk of labour induction.