Effect of Midwife-Led Education On Acceptance of Cesarean Section Among Pregnant Women in Selected Hospitals in Oyo State

The study assessed midwife-led education on acceptance of caesarean section among pregnant women in Adeoyo Maternity Teaching Hospital and State Hospital, Oyo, Oyo State. A Quasi experimental study design was adopted and a sample size of 218 was calculated using Cochran’s formula. Participants were selected via convenience probability sampling technique. A validated structured self-developed questionnaire with a reliability coefficient of 0.79 was used for data collection. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistical tools of frequencies and percentage. The relationship between variables was tested using the inferential statistical tool of t-test with level of significance set at 0.05 IBM SPSS version 25 was used to compute the data. The result showed that about two-thirds 132 (65%) had a high level of acceptance of CS, while 71(35%) had low level of acceptance prior to the intervention. Post-intervention, 149 (73.4%) had a high level of acceptance of CS while 54 (26.6%) had a low level of acceptance of CS. The respondents’ pretest and post test knowledge of CS and acceptance of CS were significant. Similarly, the respondents’ perception and acceptance of CS were significant. Despite this improvement, barriers such as high cost, fear of death, and family or partner decisions remained prevalent, though stigma and religious beliefs appeared less influential post-intervention. To improve caesarean section acceptance, healthcare providers should institutionalise targeted antenatal education to address misconceptions, emphasise joint decision-making, and use interactive methods such as testimonials and multimedia presentations. Additionally, policymakers should address financial barriers through subsidised fees, insurance coverage, and maternal health funds, while healthcare institutions implement psychosocial support and partner-inclusive counselling to reduce fear and foster informed decision-making. Keywords: Midwife-Led Education, Acceptance, Caesarean Sections, Pregnant Women,