Knowledge and attitude of medical students about the advantages and disadvantages of different types of childbirth

Background and Objectives: Health personnel are among the most influential people in determining the type of delivery in mothers. Female medical students are considered as future health workers and future mothers of the society. The aim of this study was to determine the knowledge and attitude of female students of Ardabil University of Medical Sciences towards the advantages and disadvantages of different types of childbirth. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 188 female students living in dormitories of Ardabil University of Medical Sciences as a sample of all disciplines and entrances were randomly assigned to the study. The data collection tool was a researcher-made questionnaire including demographic information and knowledge and attitude questions about the benefits and complications of natural delivery and cesarean section. Data were collected by referring to the girls' dormitories of the university and analyzed. Results: The results showed that the mean age of students was 21.97 ± 2.07. 170 (90.4%) were single and 18 (9.6%) were married. The mean knowledge and attitude of students towards the type of delivery were 27.26 ± 4.03 and 33.76 ± 6.94, respectively. The relationship between knowledge and attitude was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The correlation between knowledge and attitude and demographic variables (age, marital status, field and place of residence) was not significant (P > 0.05). Conclusions: The results of this study showed that about 20% of students had sufficient knowledge and attitude about the benefits and complications of natural childbirth and cesarean section. With increasing access to sexual health resources, low level of knowledge and attitude of students does not seem acceptable, so the necessary measures should be included, including the advantages and disadvantages of natural childbirth and cesarean section in the course of medical students, education through the media. Public and cyberspace and holding cultural educational workshops to increase the level of awareness and attitude of students.