Awareness, attitude, and anticipated willingness to use labor analgesia: a single-center antenatal survey study from a tertiary referral center in Saudi Arabia (2024).

BACKGROUND

Although labor analgesia is a standard component of maternity care, awareness and use remain variable. In Saudi Arabia, high antenatal attendance provides an opportunity for counseling, yet information gaps may still limit informed decision-making. This study assessed awareness of labor analgesia among pregnant women in Riyadh and examined attitudes, previous use, and willingness to use labor analgesia.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 431 pregnant women attending antenatal care at King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire covering sociodemographic characteristics, obstetric history, awareness of labor analgesia, prior experience, attitudes, and willingness to use analgesia.

RESULTS

Of the 431 participants, 320 (74.2%) were older than 31 years and 225 (52.2%) held a bachelor's degree. Awareness of labor analgesia was reported by 234 (54.3%), while 197 (45.7%) had no prior information. Epidural analgesia was the most recognized method, reported by 136 (31.6%). Among multiparous women, 209 of 344 (60.8%) had previously used some method to relieve labor pain, and epidural analgesia was the most frequently used option, reported by 75 of 344 (21.8%). Overall, 366 of 431 (84.9%) believed labor pain should be treated. Awareness was higher among older multiparous women, while willingness to use labor analgesia was generally high across subgroups.

CONCLUSIONS

Awareness of labor analgesia was moderate, but attitudes were favorable and willingness to use analgesia was high. These findings support strengthening structured antenatal counseling, particularly for younger and women with no prior obstetric experience, to improve informed decision-making about labor pain relief.