Trend and factors associated with cesarean section in Egypt

Abstract EN

Aim of work: To study the trend in cesarean section ' CS ' deliveries between the years 1988 till 1995 in Egypt and the social and demographic factors associated with cesarean section.

This paper also explores the strength of the medical and non¬medical factors associated with cesarean section.

The medical factors include maternal, fetal and reported complications at delivery by the mother.

Non medical factors include place of birth, residence and maternal and paternal education.

In addition we explore the association of cesarean section with early neonatal death and other complications associated with delivery.

Material & Methods: Secondary analysis of the Egyptian Demographic dr.

Health Surveys EDHS-92 and EDHS-95 to examine trend.

The EDHS has detailed information on a nationally representative sample of live births 5 years prior the survey.

Results: There is a slow but steady rise in the CS rate from 3.8% in 1988 to 8.5% 1995; still the rise is within the internationally accepted levels.

The data Suggest that repeat CS contributes to the rise with no difference between public and private health care providers in the CS frequency.

Considering the limitations of the EDHS we believe that medical factors and increased antenatal coverage are the main determinants of CS.

Marked regional variations in CS frequency exist; with rural Upper Egypt having the lowest rates 2.4% pointing to an unmet maternity care need.

CS was associated with risk of neglecting breast feeding and higher reporting of maternal fever postpartum.

Conclusion & Recommendations: The data suggests that medical factors are the main contributes to the rise.

Health planners should consider CS levels together with antenatal coverage, neonatal and maternal outcomes