Knowledge and Practices Regarding Episiotomy and Perineal Care among Primiparous Women

Abstract

Background: An episiotomy is a surgical incision through the perineum made to provide sufficient area for
the delivery of the infant. It is one of the most common medical procedures performed among prim porous
women, and has an aim to avoid lacerations of the perineum and rectum. Nowadays, according to different
obstetric protocols, 10-90% of delivering woman will have episiotomy, depending on which part of the
world they are having delivery morbidity. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and practice regarding
episiotomy and perianal care among primiporous women, in Erbil city.
Methods: A descriptive study was conducted at postpartum units of Maternity Teaching Hospital in Erbil
city, during 2020. A purposive sample of 200 prim porous women was recruited to study. Data collection was
performed through using a questionnaire format for interviewing the participants. The data were analyzed
using descriptive and inferential statistical analysis.
Results: the study findings revealed that the majority of the samples were within the age group 26-33 old,
majority of prim porous women they don’t have adequate knowledge and practice regarding Episiotomy
and Perennial Care and have inadequate knowledge and practice regarding Episiotomy and perennial Care
Conclusions: Majority of prim porous women had poor knowledge and practice regarding Episiotomy
and perennial Care. The study recommended increasing effort at improving awareness and knowledge on
episiotomy among ANC clients by including it in the health talks given during ANC visits. Women are
adequately informed and counseled before an episiotomy is given to them.