Predictors of Cesarean Section among Women Delivered at Durame General Hospital, Southern Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: Cesarean section is a lifesaving surgical procedure for both the mother and the fetus when vaginal delivery is impossible. However, avoidable cesarean section leads to increased risks. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and predictors of cesarean section among women delivered at Durame General Hospital, Southern Ethiopia. Methods: A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 300 women from April 1st to April 30th, 2019. Data were collected using a pretested and structured questionnaire through face to face interview and reviewing of medical records. Data were entered by Epi-data version 3.1 and analysed by SPSS version 23. A bivariate and multivariate logistic regression with their odds ratio was calculated at 95% confidence interval and p-value 0.005 was considered as statistically significant. Result: The overall prevalence of cesarean delivery in the study area was 24.7%. Previous cesarean section [AOR=7.3, 95% CI (2.02, 26.65)], post term pregnancy [AOR=3.3, 95% CI (1.26, 8.67)] and mothers age 35 years and above, [AOR=3.21, 95% CI (1.19, 8.67)] were predictors of cesarean section. Conclusion: The prevalence of cesarean section in the study area was high as compared to WHO recommendation. To keep a standard cesarean section rate due attention should be given for possibility of vaginal delivery by providing cautious assessment to every woman who had previous cesarean delivery and the appropriateness of the indications of cesarean section must be continually monitored.