Experiences and Acceptability of Episiotomy Among Parous Women in a Secondary Health Facility in South-South Nigeria

Objective: Episiotomy, a surgical incision made in the perineum during childbirth, has been widely used in obstetric practice to facilitate delivery and prevent severe perineal tears. However, its routine use has been a subject of considerable debate, particularly concerning its necessity, efficacy, and acceptability among women. This study was therefore designed to assess the experiences and acceptability of episiotomy among parous women receiving care in a secondary Health facility in South-South Nigeria. Method: This was a cross-sectional study among all consenting women attending the postnatal clinic between 1st July 2023 to 30th June 2024 who had an episiotomy during delivery. A self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection from 302 respondents selected using a purposive sampling technique. Data were entered into SPSS version 25 and analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics at a 5% level of significance. Results: The episiotomy acceptance rate was 17.6%, with occupation and educational level as the only significant factors influencing acceptance (p< 0.05). Half of the participants were not informed before the episiotomy was given, and 25.2% were unaware of the reason for the procedure. Anaesthesia was not administered to 59.6% of the participants before the procedure, and 39.1% had their stitches done without anaesthesia. Most participants (57.6%) felt that they could have given birth without the need for an episiotomy. Severe pain (10.3%) and wound breakdown (6.3%) were the most commonly reported complications. Conclusion: The study highlights the need for improved communication, informed consent, and pain management during episiotomy.