Maternal Satisfaction with Labor Epidural Analgesia and Associated Factors among Mothers Delivering at SPHHMC, Addis Ababa

Abstract

Abstract Background: Labor epidural analgesia (LEA) is commonly used for pain management during childbirth, and it is increasingly available in hospitals in Addis Ababa. However, studies examining maternal satisfaction and the factors associated with LEA are scarce in Ethiopia. Objective: The main objective was to investigate the level of maternal satisfaction and associated factors among mothers who received LEA at St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College (SPHMMC). Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 230 mothers who received LEA for labor management at the SPHMMC. A consecutive sampling method was used to recruit participants. Data were collected using an electronically prepared structured questionnaire (Mackey Childbirth Satisfaction Rating). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 27, and the mean, median, frequency, and percentage were used to describe the data. The results are presented in tables and figures. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine the factors associated with maternal satisfaction. A p-value < 0.05 was used to declare a statistically significant association, and an adjusted odds ratio was computed and presented with a 95% confidence interval. Result: The overall maternal satisfaction with labor epidural analgesia was 75.2% (69.1% – 80.4%). This means that 24.8% of mothers were dissatisfied. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that being in the age group of 25-30 and 31- 45 year (AOR = 4.77, 95% CI: 1.64 - 13.9), unplanned pregnancy (AOR= 5.88, 95% CI: 2.43 - 14.21), and experience of complications with LEA (AOR= 4.02, 95% CI: 1.48 - 10.92) significantly increased the odds of maternal dissatisfaction. Conclusion: One in four mothers who received LEA were dissatisfied. Maternal satisfaction was significantly associated with age, pregnancy type, and complications related to LEA. Clinicians should consider these factors when recommending LEA. Strengthening protocols for early identification and management of complications is essential to improve satisfaction. Future multicenter and large-scale studies are recommended. Keywords: Labor epidural anesthesia, maternal satisfaction, SPHMMC