Abstract

Child bearing is a great experience that most women would love to take part in. However, in some Nigerian societies, vaginal delivery is usually accepted. Caesarean delivery is not always preferred even in cases of emergencies at times. This has led to increase in maternal mortality rate. On this note, the study examines risk perception and perceived stigma as predictors of caesarean section refusal among pregnant women. The research was a cross sectional study done in two hospitals. One hundred and seventy-eight (178) pregnant women purposively selected from the antenatal clinics of two hospitals participated in the study. Three instruments were revalidated and used for data collection. The 15-item Caesarean Section Refusal scale with a Cronbach Alpha of .89 established. The 21-item Perceived Stigma and Devaluation Scale with the Cronbach Alpha of .83 obtained. A 9-item Risk Perception Scale used to test risk perception with .75 validity. Three (3) hypotheses were generated and tested using multiple regression and correlation. Results revealed that risk perception and perceived stigma jointly predicted caesarean section refusal and was significant (R=0.14, p<.05). Independently, risk perception was significant as it predicted caesarean section refusal (β=.39, p<.05). However, perceived stigma was not significant (β =-.05, p>.05).The findings were discussed in relation to the literature reviewed. It was recommended that various stakeholders should sensitize the society on caesarean section, why and when it is necessary

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