Prevalence and factors associated with caesarean section: a community based cross sectional study in rural parts of Rangareddy district, Telangana, India

Abstract

Background: During the last few decades there has been an alarming rise in the incidence of caesarean section (CS). CS is one of the most common major surgical procedures in private health sector. This rise is of immediate concern and a major public health issue to address. Methods: A community based cross sectional study was done wherein 100 women were selected from Yenkapally and Peddamangalaram villages by household survey by convenient sampling technique. A pre designed, pre tested questionnaire was used to get the relevant information by adopting interview technique. Results: Present study found that the total caesarean section rate was found to be 62% of which primary caesarean section rate was 23%. Thirty seven (59.6%) had emergency caesarean section and twenty five (40.4%) had elective caesarean section. The most common indication for emergency section was failed induction (29.7%) and for elective section it was previous caesarean section (84%). Higher socio economic status, higher birth order and associated health problems during delivery were significantly associated with caesarean section (p<0.05). Conclusions: Present study found a high caesarean section rate with majority sections occurred in private sector hospitals.