ذكرى عبد الكاظم عبد الحسين الجنابي

ABSTRACT Objective: Preoperative anxiety is a common issue among women undergoing cesarean sections, leading to various negative psychological and physiological effects. This study aims to assess preoperative anxiety and its contributing factors among women undergoing cesarean sections, as well as explore the relationship between preoperative anxiety levels and reproductive variables. Methods and Materials: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at Women's Obstetrics Gynecology Hospital, Al-Hindia Hospital for Education, Al-Zahraa Hospital for Maternity, and Khadeejat Al-Kubra Women's Hospital between October 4, 2023, and March 9, 2024. A purposive sample of 160 women undergoing cesarean sections was selected. A questionnaire, developed after a comprehensive literature review, was used to collect data. The questionnaire’s validity and reliability were confirmed. Descriptive and inferential statistical methods were employed to analyze the data. Findings: The findings revealed that 63.8% of the participants experienced moderate levels of preoperative anxiety, 25.6% reported mild anxiety, and 10.6% exhibited severe anxiety. Significant associations were identified between preoperative anxiety levels and factors such as family income, previous miscarriages, pregnancy complications, and the classification of the cesarean section (elective or emergency). Conclusion: The study concluded that the majority of women undergoing cesarean sections experience moderate preoperative anxiety. It highlights the need for preoperative counseling and anxiety-reduction interventions for expectant mothers. The study recommends the development and implementation of educational programs to enhance women's understanding of preoperative anxiety and its management. Keywords: Preoperative anxiety, Cesarean section, Elective cesarean, Emergency cesarean, Family income, Pregnancy complications

Puerperal infection is a type of complications that poses a major threat to the mother's and baby's lives after birth, that occurs during childbirth or within 42 days of the postpartum period. This period may receive less attention than during pregnancy and childbirth. Primigravida women become unaware of their health at delivery time, this leads to a large number of negative consequences due to a lack of knowledge of preventive measures.

Puerperal infection is a danger that can happen after childbirth, it may receive less attention than during pregnancy and childbirth. Primigravida women become unaware of their health at delivery time, this leads to a large number of negative consequences due to a lack of knowledge of preventive measures.