Priscilla Ndegwa*, Josephine Gitome, Muthoni Mainah, Teresa Mwoma, Jacqueline Kituku, Newton Kahumbi and Jennifer Bagelman

Centre For Refugee Studies and Empowerment, Kenyatta University, Kenya

*Corresponding Author: Priscilla Ndegwa, Department: Centre For Refugee Studies and Empowerment, Kenyatta University, Kenya.

Received: July 11, 2023; Published: January 26, 2024

Abstract

Caesarean section (CS) is the most commonly performed obstetrical surgery for life-saving and prevention of delivery complications. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a Caesarean section rate of between 10 and 15% as an acceptable level. However, studies have suggested that African women have an aversion for CS preferring vaginal delivery to caesarean section even when there is need to address basic obstetric complications; they perceive CS as being dangerous to the mother and baby. The inadequate use of CS in African countries has been identified as a key factor in the continuing high rates of maternal and perinatal morbidity in the region. In light of non-acceptance of CS among women in many developing countries, this study sought to explore gendered differentiated attitude towards CS among Somali Refugees who seek the services of Traditional birth attendants (TBA) in Dadaab. A qualitative case research design was employed with Ten Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs), 3 pregnant women, 2 men and 2 refugee safe mothers who were Purposively selected from IFO refugee camp in Dadaab, Kenya. Additional responses were sought from 10 Nurses and 15 mothers in Red Cross hospital in IFO camp. Data was collected through in-depth interviews and personal observations. The study found that both men and women were reserved about CS expressing fear of death. Women also avoided CS due to fear of facing rejection from their husbands, psychological and emotional trauma of being stigmatized by the community; men felt that their conjugal rights were restricted if their women went through CS. They also indicated that TBAS are fellow women who help mothers to deliver at home, while in hospitals CS is done by men which is against the Somali culture. These findings indicate that there are many perceptions about CS among refugee community and thus need for programs to increase community understanding of CS as a method of delivery. The findings may also be a valuable process indicator for identifying the gaps in obstetric care that can be used for advocating improvements for healthcare.

Keywords:Traditional Birth Attendants; Caesarean Section; Attitude

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Citation

Citation: Priscilla Ndegwa., et al. “Gender Differentiated Attitude Towards Cesarean Section: A Case of Somali Refugees in Dadaab, Kenya".Acta Scientific Women's Health 6.2 (2024): 39-46.

Copyright

Copyright: © 2024 Priscilla Ndegwa., et al. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.