The factors that determine an epidural analgesia in the newborn at birth/choice of anesthesia

ABSTRACTEpidural anesthesia is a method of local anesthesia which is used in labor and cesarean operations. Epidural analgesia is used in vaginal delivery, cancer disease and post-operative pain relief. This study aims at investigating the factors that affect the choice of epidural analgesia / anesthesia in labor.The primary data of this study is collected by a questionnaire. The sample of this study is 503 women who gave birth in Bursa and Afyonkarahisar?s public and private hospitals. 381of 503 women people completed the questionnaire in Bursa, while 122 of 503 women did in Afyonkarahisar.This study reaches 149 women who preferred epidural analgesia/ anesthesia that is 30% of the sample. 40 (27%) of 149 women used epidural analgesia, though 109 (73%) of 149 women used epidural anesthesia.85% of women who had epidural anesthesia or analgesia in labor state that they are happy with their choice. Women who had epidural anesthesia or analgesia in labor are asked why they did so. 64% of women who had epidural anesthesia or analgesia in labor have chosen this method due to her doctor?s suggestion, 23% her own judgment, 13 the other reasons.This study finds that there is a positive relationship between epidural anesthesia/ analgesia choice and family?s income, women?s and her husband education. It is found that there is no relationship between epidural anesthesia/ analgesia choice and age. Based on these findings it is suggested that medical staff should advice pregnant women about epidural anesthesia/ analgesia methods.