A Study on Factors Associated with Caesarean Section Delivery at Tangail District of Bangladesh

Abstract

<i>Background and Objectives</i>: Caesarean section or C-section is a major obstetric life-saving intervention that has a substantial effect on maternal and neonatal health. This study sought to explore factors associated with increasing C-section rate at Tangail district in Bangladesh. <i>Materials and Methods</i>: A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a structured questionnaire at different hospitals and clinics in Tangail among 200 women who underwent cesarean. For analyzing the factors of C-section, the explanatory variables were demographic and anthropometric data, pre-pregnancy history, pregnancy period and delivery information. <i>Results</i>: The common medical indicators for C-section were prolonged labor (21%), fetal distress (19%), previous C-section (13%), amniotic rupture (12.5%), abnormal presentation of the baby (12%), uterine rupture (8.5%), failed labor induction (7.5%) and eclampsia/hypertension (3%). The majority (49.5%) of C-section was performed because of maternal request, 34% were emergency and 16.5% were elective. Majority of the respondents showed neutral (46%) to negative (51%) mindset towards C-section. C-section decision making influences included family pressure (25%), afraid of labor pain (11.5%), mother’s health risk (15%), baby’s health risk (38.5%), both mother and baby’s health risk (19.5%), presence of medical complications (62%), respondent’s choice (23%), doctor’s preference (5%), other related reasons (10%). <i>Conclusions</i>: It is concluded that a combination of both medical and non-medical factors is associated with C-section delivery.