Cesarean delivery in Zawia City, Libya prevalence and associated factors a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background; A caesarean section is a surgical procedure that can save the lives of mothers and babies when certain complications arise during pregnancy or labour. Objective; To investigate the prevalence and factors associated with caesarean delivery in Zawia city, Libya. Methods: A cross-sectional study with data from 175 postpartum women interviewed between June and August, 2022. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify those factors associated with the Caesarean section. Results: Caesarean section rates were 70.9%. Factors associated with Caesarean section were: Significant evidence of an association was observed between mode of delivery and previous c-section. Mothers who didn’t have previous c-section had lower odds of c-section than who had at least one c-section (OR =0.026, 95% CI 0.009, 0.073, p=0.000). Mothers who desired of c-section in early pregnancy had higher odds of c-section than mothers who didn’t (OR =4.9, 95% CI 3.03, 7.9, p=0.000). Also, mothers who delivered in private facility had higher odds of c-section than mothers who delivered in public facility (OR =3.8, 95% CI 1.94, 7.65, p=0.000). Conclusion: It is necessary to properly orientate all pregnant women who desire a Caesarean delivery, from both the private and public health system, about the inherent risks of the surgical procedure without indication. Guidelines should be focused on pregnant women with previous Caesarean delivery, with a per capita income higher than one minimum wage and those who are overweight or obese, as these women are more likely to have a Caesarean section