Assessment of women’s satisfaction during labour induction: a questionnaire-based investigation

Objective. This study aims to evaluate the level of satisfaction among women undergoing labour induction at ARNAS Civico Hospital, Palermo through a questionnaire-based survey involving 250 patients.
Materials and Methods. A total of 250 women were recruited between January 2023 and July 2023. These women were at term in their pregnancies, with a singleton foetus in cephalic presentation, and had a medical indication for labour induction. Following delivery, they were requested to complete a postpartum questionnaire. The primary outcomes measured in the study focused on satisfaction with the induction process, perception of pain, and the duration of labour.
Results. The patients were induced using either oral Misoprostol or intravaginal Dinoprostone. Of the total, 38% underwent cervical ripening with an intracervical balloon. Among them, 166 (67%) had a spontaneous delivery, 13 (5%) underwent operative delivery, and 71 (28%) had a caesarean section.
Conclusions. Approximately 49% of the patients reported dissatisfaction with their induction process. The primary reason for this dissatisfaction was the extended time interval between the initiation of induction and delivery, with pain and a lack of clear understanding of the process contributing significantly to this outcome. It is necessary to better prepare women commencing induction by enhancing the informed consent process and providing clear information to counteract unrealistic expectations, thereby improving satisfaction.