Perception and Acceptability of Bilateral Tubal Ligation among women attending Antenatal clinic

Abstract

Objective: To determine perception and acceptability of bilateral tubal ligation among women attending antenatal clinic.

Material and methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Federal Government Services Hospital Islamabad. All the pregnant women visiting gynae OPD, aged between 25 to 45 years and having parity more than 3 were included. Patients were subjected to questions drafted in the performa which was asked and filled by the researcher herself. All the information such as age, gestational age, educational status, occupation status, residence, rate of acceptance of BTL and causes of refusal of BTL were recorded on a separate performa. Data was collected and entered using SPSS version 23.

Results: Average age of the study subjects 31.60±5.05 years. Out of all 68.4% women possessed knowledge about Bilateral Tubal Ligation (BTL), while the overall rate of acceptability for BTL was found to be 21.60%. Unwilling to undergo a surgical procedure, irreversible nature of the procedure, fear of potential regret, husband's hesitancy, cultural barriers and religious beliefs were the refusal causes of BTL. Acceptability did not show any statistically significant differences based on age, parity, education, and occupation (p>0.05), while it was significantly influenced by socioeconomic status (SES) and residential status (p≤0.050).

conclusion: There was valuable knowledge and limited acceptance of bilateral tubal ligation (BTL), primarily influenced by cultural and religious beliefs. Additionally, the fear of regret played a significant role in deterring individuals from considering BTL, despite a considerable level of awareness regarding the procedure among the majority of respondents.