Psychosocial Experiences among Postnatal Women after Caesarian Section in the Tamale Metropolis, Ghana

Background: Worldwide about 20 million women give birth through surgical intervention and as such it is placed first among operative cases in most hospitals. Little is known about how this method of delivery affects the psychosocial health of the mothers. Yet, the rate keeps on increasing. This study sought to explore the psychosocial experiences of women who have undergone caesarian section (CS) in the Tamale Metropolis.

Methods: This is an exploratory and descriptive study with a qualitative approach. Data was collected through in-depth interviews of twelve (12) purposively selected women, 18 years and above who underwent CS within six (6) months to one (1) year prior to data collection period. Interviews were audiotaped, transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis.

Results: The study revealed the participants exhibited different emotive reactions such as depression, anxiety and positive emotions towards caesarean section. The women’s description of depression centred on sadness, crying and unhappiness. For anxiety, it centred on worry, being scared, afraid, and apprehension. The news on CS was welcomed by few participants because they felt they stood to gain from the procedure. This attitude of few participants was grounded on their earlier refusal to undergo the procedure which resulted in a negative outcome to them. Following the CS, the participants had some unpleasant experiences with marital and social contexts. For some of these women, their in-laws advocated for a second wife for their sons to give birth to additional children, others were verbally abused and seen as less of a woman. Others were poorly received at home after their second CS.

Conclusion: Psychosocial experiences shared by the participants had cultural and social dimensions; hence there is the need for public health units and workers to intensify public education on CS to enhance the needed support for women who undergo caesarian section.