Abstract:

Background: The decision about mode of delivery after one previous caesarean section (CS) is challenges as it is a decision where the best course of action is uncertain and weighing between possible complications and benefits is required. For most pregnant women with one previous CS, this involves consideration of their preference between attempted vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC) or elective repeat CS. Majority of women lack enough knowledge of what to do in the next pregnancies following delivery by CS.

Methodology: This was a cross sectional study which was conducted using self-administered structured questionnaire involving 205 pregnant women who were attending ANC at Sekou-Toure regional hospital. Data was analysed by using SPSS version 20.

Results: A total of 205 pregnant women with previous scar were involved in the study. The majority of participants were from age group 20-39 years. Knowledge on the mode of delivery for subsequent pregnancies after a previous scar was found to be good (54.6%) and it was significantly associated with and marital status and education level. On the other hand; knowledge on complications of the mode of delivery with its anticipated complications was good (70.1%) and it was significantly associated with marital status (being married) and higher educational status.

Conclusion: The overall knowledge of mode of delivery for women with previous scar in Mwanza is good with most women having good knowledge on the choice of mode of delivery after a previous Caesar and the complications anticipated with the subsequent mode of delivery. Though, the knowledge of mode of delivery and their complications was better to educated and married women; age, religion, parity and residency did not correspond to this level of knowledge.