Social Construction of Caesarian Section among Women after Surgical Intervention in the Tamale Metropolis

Abstract

Caesarian Section is chosen as a birth method particularly when difficulties arise during delivery. Despite this, women are not willing to take up caesarian section as a birth method because they are afraid of what their significant others will say about them. However, literature on how women construct Caesarian section in Ghana is scanty. This study therefore focused on understanding the meaning given to caesarian section among women after surgical intervention in the Tamale Metropolis. A qualitative exploratory descriptive design was employed in the study. Data was collected through in-depth interviews of twelve (12) purposively selected women who underwent CS within six months to one year and were aged 18 years and above. Interviews were audio taped and later transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic content analysis. Five (5) themes were identified and described as follows: Social construction of CS, Sources of perception about CS, Perceived order of socialisation about CS, emotions associated with CS and Post CS consequences. The study found that, participants had varied beliefs about CS. The sources of perception of CS as mentioned by the women include social media and significant others. Social perception of womanhood emerged strongly as an order of socialization. The study revealed that the women were anxious, depressed while others expressed positive emotions towards CS. Following the incidence of CS, the women suffered from marital and social consequences. The findings of this study have implications for nursing practice, nursing research and policy formulation.