Prevalence, Indications, and Community Perceptions of Caesarean Section Delivery in Ngora District, Eastern Uganda: Mixed Method Study

Spatial distribution and associated factors of cesarean section in Ethiopia using mini EDHS 2019 data: a community based cross-sectional study

Maternal health is a major public health tricky globally. Cesarean section delivery reduces morbidity and mortality when certain complications occur throughout pregnancy and labor. Cesarean section subjected to the availability and use of essential obstetric services in regional factors in Ethiopia. There was a scarcity of studies that assess the spatial distribution and associated factors of cesarean section. Consequently, this study aimed to assess the spatial variation of cesarean section and associated factors using mini EDHS 2019 national representative data. A community based cross-sectional study was conducted in Ethiopia from March to June 2019. A two-stage stratified sampling design was used to select participants. A Global Moran's I and Getis-Ord Gi* statistic hotspot analysis was used to assess the spatial distribution. Kuldorff's SaTScan was employed to determine the purely statistically significant spatial clusters. A multilevel binary logistic regression model fitted to identify factors. A total of 5753 mothers were included. More than one-fourth of mothers delivered through cesarean section at private health institutions and 54.74% were not educated. The proportion of cesarean section clustered geographically in Ethiopia and hotspot areas were observed in Addis Ababa, Oromia, Tigray, Derie Dewa, Amhara, and SNNR regions. Mothers' age (AOR = 1.07, 95% CI 1.02-1.12), mother's had secondary education (AOR = 2.113, 95% CI 1.414, 3.157), mother's higher education (2.646, 95% CI 1.724, 4.063), Muslim religion followers (AOR = 0.632, 95% CI 0.469, 0.852), poorer (AOR = 1.719, 95% CI 1.057, 2.795), middle wealth index (AOR = 1.769, 95% CI 1.073, 2.918), richer (AOR = 2.041, 95% CI 1.246, 3.344), richest (AOR = 3.510, 95% CI 2.197, 5.607), parity (AOR = 0.825, 95% CI 0.739, 0.921), and multiple pregnancies (AOR = 4.032, 95% CI 2.418, 6.723) were significant factors. Therefore, geographically targeted interventions are essential to reduce maternal and infant mortality with WHO recommendations for those Muslim, poorest and not educated mothers.

Outcomes and quality of care for women and their babies after caesarean section in Nigeria

OBJECTIVE

To describe the outcomes and quality of care for women and their babies after caesarean section (CS) in Nigerian referral-level hospitals.

DESIGN

Secondary analysis of a nationwide cross-sectional study.

SETTING

Fifty-four referral-level hospitals.

POPULATION

All women giving birth in the participating facilities between 1 September 2019 and 31 August 2020.

METHODS

Data for the women were extracted, including sociodemographic data, clinical information, mode of birth, and maternal and perinatal outcomes. A conceptual hierarchical framework was employed to explore the sociodemographic and clinical factors associated with maternal and perinatal death in women who had an emergency CS.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Overall CS rate, outcomes for women who had CS, and factors associated with maternal and perinatal mortality.

RESULTS

The overall CS rate was 33.3% (22 838/68 640). The majority of CS deliveries were emergency cases (62.8%) and 8.1% of CS deliveries had complications after delivery, which were more common after an emergency CS. There were 179 (0.8%) maternal deaths in women who had a CS and 29.6% resulted from complications of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. The overall maternal mortality rate in women who delivered by CS was 778 per 100 000 live births, whereas the perinatal mortality at birth was 51 per 1000 live births. Factors associated with maternal mortality in women who had an emergency CS were being <20 or >35 years of age, having a lower level of education and being referred from another facility or informal setting.

CONCLUSIONS

One-third of births were delivered via CS (mostly emergency), with almost one in ten women experiencing a complication after a CS. To improve outcomes, hospitals should invest in care and remove obstacles to accessible quality CS services.

Prevalence and associated factors of caesarean section among mothers who gave birth across Eastern Africa countries: Systematic review and meta-analysis study

Background

Caesarean section (CS) rate increased dramatically worldwide, exceeding the World Health Organization's benchmark (10-15 %) in many countries. This rate varies in different regions of the continent. Using various study designs, researchers from across East African countries investigated the prevalence of caesarean section and the factor associated with it but no study shows a pooled prevalence of caesarean section in the Eastern African region. Therefore, this review aimed to systematically summarize and estimate the pooled prevalence of caesarean section and its associated factors in Eastern Africa, 2023.

Methods

PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, Scopus and CINAHL were rigorously searched to find relevant studies. All identified observational studies reporting the prevalence of CS and its associated factors in East Africa published till August 2023 were considered. Heterogeneity across the studies was evaluated using the I2 test. Publication bias was assessed by funnel plot and Egger's regression test. Finally, a random effect meta-analysis model was computed to estimate the pooled prevalence of CS and qualitative analysis was employed for associated factors. The study protocol was registered in PROSPERO.

Results

This review was assessed using twenty-six eligible studies from a total of 2223 articles with a total of 600,431 participants. In this meta-analysis, the pooled prevalence of caesarean section in Eastern Africa was 24.0 % (95%CI: 22-27 %). The highest pooled prevalence of caesarean section was in Ethiopia, 28.30 % (95%CI; 21.3-35.2 %), and the lowest was seen in Uganda, 11.9 % (95%CI; 7.9-15.9 %). Urban residency, having high level of wealth asset, education level college and above, advanced maternal age, big birth weight, history of previous caesarean section, private institution delivery, multiple pregnancies, pregnancy-induced hypertension, antepartum haemorrhage and fetal malpresentation were linked with a greater likelihood of having CS.

Conclusions

and recommendation: The overall pooled prevalence of CS in Eastern Africa was high compared to the WHO proposed recommended range. Therefore, the finding implies that each East African countries Ministry of Health and health care professionals shall be given particular emphasis made on strengthening antenatal care services and ensure more women have access to skilled healthcare professionals during childbirth. This can help in providing appropriate interventions, support to women and reducing the need for emergency and unnecessary CSs. The result of this research are a baseline data for future researchers to conduct further studies to better understand the reasons behind the high rates and identify potential interventions and solutions specific to the African context.PROSPERO protocol number: CRD42023440131.

Determinants of a high prevalence of cesarean section among women in eastern Uganda

Introduction

increasing proportion of Uganda women deliver by cesarean section (C-section) but limited studies have examined the determinants of C-section. We investigated the prevalence and determinants of C-section among women aged 15-49 years in eastern Uganda.

Methods

we retrieved data for women who attended postnatal care across four large healthcare facilities in Kamuli district. C-section (surgical operation to deliver a baby through the abdomen, whether planned or not) was the outcome. Binary logistic regression was done to determine factors independently associated with C-section, reported as adjusted odds ratio (aOR) and 95% confidence interval (Cl).

Results

of 727 participants, 126 (17.3%) had delivered by C-section, with the associated factors as self (aOR=1.92, 95% CI 1.04-3.52) and unemployment (aOR=1.81; 95% CI 1.01-3.21), birth order namely second (aOR=3.13, 95% CI 1.77- 5.65), third (aOR=3.60, 95% CI 1.97-6.78), fourth (aOR=2.88, 95% CI 1.46-5.93) and fifth or beyond birth (aOR=2.16, 95% CI, 1.17-4.09), and a rural health facility (aOR=2.04, 95% CI 1.31-3.22).

Conclusion

the C-section prevalence is slightly higher than recommended by the World Health Organization. There is a need to promote contraceptive use to limit fertility, increase access to contraceptives among rural women, raise awareness among women about the importance of early and regular antenatal visits through education campaigns, equip healthcare facilities with well-trained staff and infrastructure to ensure quality antenatal care to prevent complications that could lead to C-sections, and conduct ongoing research to identify barriers and challenges faced by women in seeking quality healthcare and knowledge about obstetric risk factors.

Perceptions of indigenous ugandan men on the use of long acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) by rural women

Worldwide, unintended pregnancies remain a critical public health challenge, with 74 million women in low- and middle-income countries getting these pregnancies yearly. The African continent alone contributes about 25% of all unintended pregnancies globally. Even though not all unintended pregnancies are unwanted, they can lead to many health problems for mothers and children, like malnutrition, sickness, neglect, or abuse, as well as maternal and infant morbidities and mortalities. Globally, many women die due to complications related to childbirth, either during or after pregnancy. Contraceptives, especially for long-acting reversible Contraceptive methods (LARCs), are among the best interventions to reduce maternal death. LARCs help the mother delay pregnancy and allow for longer intervals in childbirth spacing. However, utilising LARCs globally and in Uganda remains low because of limited male partner support.The purpose of this phenomenological qualitative research study was to elicit an understanding of the perceptions and beliefs of rural indigenous Ugandan men towards the use of LARCs by rural women. Ultimately the study designed strategies to enhance the uptake of those methods. Purposive sampling was used to identify 65 participants for focus group interviews and 30 for individual interviews comprising married men aged 20 to 49 years. The study was conducted in the Rubanda and Kiboga Districts of Uganda. The researcher used semi-structured questions for individual and focus group interviews.The data analysis was done by transcribing the interviews, sorting the field notes, organising, and storing the data, listening to recordings, and reading field notes and interviews to look for patterns related to the perceptions and belief systems. Using the identified patterns, the researcher coded and categorised the data to build themes emerging on the phenomenon.The study established negative perceptions and belief systems among rural indigenous Ugandan men regarding the use of LARCs by their rural women, which acted as barriers to utilisation. These perceptions included side effects, fears, desires, and cultural and religious beliefs. The study recommends strengthening social and behavioural change communication, strengthening service provision for LARCs, and monitoring and evaluation systems for LARCs. Additionally, policymakers should provide a conducive environment for LARC services provision, and the Ministry of Education and Sports, through health training institutions and universities, should prepare pre-service and in-service healthcare workers to provide LARC services.

Factors associated with caesarean sections among pregnant women admitted to a private academic hospital in Ongwediva, Oshana region, Namibia

Background

Caesarean section rates are increasing worldwide in both developed and developing countries becoming an issue of grave concern.

Objective

The aim of the study was to determine the factors associated with caesarean sections performed on pregnant women admitted to a private academic hospital in Ongwediva, Oshana region, Namibia.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective data approach was conducted on 200 patients' files using a self-administered checklist at a private academic hospital. A total of 200 records of mothers who underwent caesarean sections were systematically reviewed from January 2020 to December 2020 at a private academic hospital in Ongwediva, Namibia. A pretested structured checklist was used to record the data.

Results

The study revealed that 95.5% of women who had caesarean sections (C-section) were performed. A previous C-section was the most frequent indication, while 0.5% were performed due to patient requests. The p-value for the chi-square statistic was smaller than the standard alpha value (P<0.05), i.e., there is a relationship between the demographic characteristics and factors associated with caesarean sections, as well as between socioeconomic factors and factors associated with caesarean sections.

Conclusions

This study shows that 95.5% of C-sections are done as a necessity with clear indications, while only 0.5% are done due to patient requests. This study's findings can be used to develop strategies and targeted interventions geared towards reducing the increasing rates of cesarean section considering maternal age, the number of indications of primary cesarean delivery, and following standard operating procedures that might improve the quality of prenatal and delivery care.

Inequalities in the prevalence of skilled birth attendance in Ghana between 1993 and 2014

BACKGROUND

Globally, maternal and neonatal health remains a public health priority, particularly for resource-constrained regions like sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Skilled birth attendance (SBA) is essential in promoting maternal and neonatal health. This study investigated the inequalities in the prevalence of SBA in Ghana using data from the Ghana Demographic and Health Survey (GDHS) between 1993 and 2014.

METHODS

Data were analysed using the World Health Organization's Health Equity Assessment Toolkit software. In analysing the data, we first disaggregated SBA by four inequality stratifiers: wealth index, education, residence, and region. Second, we measured the inequality through summary measures, namely difference, population attributable risk, ratio, and population attributable fraction. A 95% confidence interval was constructed for point estimates to measure statistical significance.

RESULTS

Throughout the period, SBA was highest among women in the highest wealth quintile and those with a secondary or higher level of education. The analysis also indicated that SBA was highly concentrated among urban residents in 1993 (80.78 [95% uncertainty interval {UI} 76.20-84.66]) and persisted to 2014 (91.55 [95% UI 88.80-93.68]). In 1993, Northern region recorded the lowest prevalence of SBA in Ghana (15.69 [95% UI 11.20-21.54]) and the region consistently recorded the lowest SBA prevalence even into 2014 (38.21 [95% UI 27.44-50.27]).

CONCLUSIONS

There are significant inequalities in SBA across education, wealth, residence, and region in Ghana. To enhance SBA, there is the need for policymakers and interventionists to design and develop targeted policies and programs that are tailored to the needs of the subpopulations at risk of low SBA: women with no formal education, those within the poorest wealth quintile, rural-dwelling women and women in the Northern region. This will facilitate the uptake of SBA and ultimately translate into the realization of Sustainable Development Goals 3.1 and 3.2.

An Analysis of the Rate, Indications, and Associated Maternal Mortality for Cesarean Sections at a Tertiary Care Hospital, First Report from Somalia

Background

There has been an increase in worldwide cesarean section rates, although they remain low in most Sub-Saharan African countries, including Somalia. The present is the first hospital-based study that analyzes the rate, indications, and associated maternal mortality of cesarean deliveries reported from Somalia.

Methods

This retrospective study reviewed data of all deliveries from 2015 to 2021 using electronic medical records in the hospital information system. Retrieved data include baseline demographic characteristics, mode of delivery, indications and the type of cesarean section, and the documented maternal mortality during the study period.

Results

During seven years, there were 12,540 total deliveries. Among these, 2703 were cesarean sections giving an overall cesarean section rate of 21.6%. The mean age of the patients was 26.7±7.3 years [14-44 years]. Multiparous mothers constituted 67.7% during the study period. According to cesarean deliveries, nulliparous mothers (55.7%) underwent the maximum number of cesarean sections. Emergency cesarean section was the predominant intervention compared to elective C-sections (59.2% vs 40.8%). Primary CS was the most common predominant, while repeat CS increased timely, 77.7% vs 22.3%, respectively. Overall, previous C-sections and fetal distress were the two most common indications for cesarean delivery (22.3% and 22.1%), respectively. C-sections were predominant in women of younger age, Primiparity, having term deliveries, and did not receive regular antenatal care. The maternal mortality rate was 1.7%, and 61% was due to direct obstetric hemorrhage, including postpartum hemorrhage, Placenta abruption, and uterine rupture.

Conclusion

The study findings showed a slight increase in cesarean delivery rates during the study period. This rate is higher than the 10-15% recommended by the WHO in developing countries. Policies and efforts to decrease unnecessary cesarean sections should be promoted and implemented at each health facility.

Inequalities in antenatal care in Ghana, 1998-2014

Background

In order to effectively and efficiently reduce maternal mortality and ensure optimal outcomes of pregnancy, equity is required in availability and provision of antenatal care. Thus, analysis of trends of socio-economic, demographic, cultural and geographical inequities is imperative to provide a holistic explanation for differences in availability, quality and utilization of antenatal care. We, therefore, investigated the trends in inequalities  in four or more antenatal care visits in Ghana, from 1998 to 2014.

Methods

We used the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Health Equity Assessment Toolkit (HEAT) software to analyse data from the 1998 to 2014 Ghana Demographic and Health Surveys. We disaggregated four or more antenatal care visits by four equality stratifiers: economic status, level of education, place of residence, and sub-national region. We measured inequality through summary measures: Difference, Population Attributable Risk (PAR), Ratio, and Population Attributable Fraction (PAF). A 95% uncertainty interval (UI) was constructed for point estimates to measure statistical significance.

Results

The Difference measure of 21.7% (95% UI; 15.2–28.2) and the PAF measure of 12.4% (95% UI 9.6–15.2) indicated significant absolute and relative economic-related disparities in four or more antenatal care visits favouring women in the highest wealth quintile. In the 2014 survey, the Difference measure of 13.1% (95% UI 8.2–19.1) and PAF of 6.5% (95% UI 4.2–8.7) indicate wide disparities in four or more antenatal care visits across education subgroups disfavouring non-educated women. The Difference measure of 9.3% (95% UI 5.8–12.9) and PAF of 5.8% (95% UI 4.7–6.8) suggest considerable relative and absolute urban–rural disparities in four or more antenatal care visits disfavouring rural women. The Difference measure of 20.6% (95% UI 8.8–32.2) and PAF of 7.1% (95% UI 2.9–11.4) in the 2014 survey show significant absolute and relative regional inequality in four or more antenatal care  visits, with significantly higher coverage among regions like Ashanti, compared to the Northern region.

Conclusions

We found a disproportionately lower uptake of four or more antenatal care visits among women who were poor, uneducated and living in rural areas and the Northern region. There is a need for policymakers to design interventions that will enable disadvantaged subpopulations to benefit from four or more antenatal care visits to meet the Sustainable Development Goal  3.1 that aims to reduce the maternal mortality ratio (MMR) to less than  70/100, 000 live births by 2030. Further studies are essential to understand the underlying factors for the  inequalities in antenatal care visits.

Length of Hospital Stay After Cesarean Delivery and Its Determinants Among Women in Eastern Sudan

Background

There is an increasing caesarean delivery (CD) rate globally. Length of hospital stay (LoS) is longer in CD compared with vaginal delivery. There are few published data on LoS following CD in Africa, including Sudan. We aimed to investigate LoS after CD in eastern Sudan and its associated risk factors.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted at Gadarif hospital in eastern Sudan from May to December 2020. Sociodemographic, clinical and obstetrical data were gathered through questionnaires. Poisson regressions were used to model the LoS and provide relative risk (RR) and a 95.0% confidence interval (CI).

Results

We enrolled 544 women with CD. The median (interquartile range, IQR) of their age and parity was 28.0 (24.0 ‒32.0) years and 3(2‒3), respectively. The LoS range was 1.0-9.0 days (mean = 2.7 days) and its median (IRQ) was 3.0 (2.0‒3.0) days. The median (IQR) of the LoS was significantly higher in women who had emergency CD vs elective CD, [3 (3.0‒3.0) vs 3 (2.0‒3.0) days, P < 0.001] and in women with maternal complications vs women who had no maternal complications [3 (2.0‒3.0) vs 3 (2.0‒3.0) days, P < 0.001]. Poisson regression showed that women with emergency CD stayed for 13.0% longer than women with elective CD (RR=1.13, 95% CI=1.01‒1.29). Women with maternal complications stayed 24.0% longer than women who had no maternal complications (RR=1.24, 95% CI=1.07‒1.43). Women who had neonatal complications stayed for 21.0% longer than women who had no neonatal complications (RR=1.21, 95% CI=1.05‒1.40). Age, parity, residence, education, occupation and postoperative haemoglobin were not associated with LoS.

Conclusion

The mean LoS in this study was 2.7 days, and women with emergency CD and maternal and neonatal complications had longer LoS.

Promoting respectful maternity care: challenges and prospects from the perspectives of midwives at a tertiary health facility in Ghana

Background

Evidence shows that women in Ghana experience disrespectful care (slapping, pinching, being shouted at, etc.) from midwives during childbirth. Hence, evidence-based research is needed to advance the adoption of respectful maternity care (RMC) by midwives. We therefore sought to explore and document midwives’ perspectives concerning challenges faced and prospects available for promoting RMC in a tertiary health facility.

Methods

We employed an exploratory descriptive qualitative study design. In total, we conducted 12 interviews with midwives educated on RMC. All audio data were transcribed verbatim and exported to NVivo-12 for data management and analyses. We relied on the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research guideline in reporting this study.

Results

The findings were broadly categorised into three themes: emotional support, dignified care and respectful communication which is consistent with the WHO’s quality of care framework. For each theme, the current actions that were undertaken to promote RMC, the challenges and recommendations to improve RMC promotion were captured. Overall, the current actions that promoted RMC included provision of sacral massages and reassurance, ensuring confidentiality and consented care, and referring clients who cannot pay to the social welfare unit. The challenges to providing RMC were logistical constraints for ensuring privacy, free movement of clients, and alternative birthing positions. Poor attitudes from some midwives, workload and language barrier were other challenges that emerged. The midwives recommended the appointment of more midwives, as well as the provision of logistics to support alternative birthing positions and privacy. Also, they recommended the implementation of continuous training and capacity building.

Conclusion

We conclude that in order for midwives to deliver RMC services that include emotional support, dignified care, and respectful communication, the government and hospital administration must make the required adjustments to resolve existing challenges while improving the current supporting activities.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12884-022-04786-w.

Prevalence and Associated Factors for Post-Caesarean Delivery Blood Transfusion in Eastern Sudan: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background

Obstetric haemorrhage is a leading cause of maternal mortality and morbidity worldwide. Caesarean delivery (CD) is associated with significant blood loss, which may require blood transfusions. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors for post-CD transfusion.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted in Gadarif maternity hospital, eastern Sudan, from March to September 2020. Sociodemographic, obstetric and clinical data, including pre- and postoperative haemoglobin levels, were collected. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed.

Results

A total of 539 women were enrolled in the study; the median (interquartile range) age of these women was 28.0 (8.0) years. The overall post-CD transfusion rate was 8.2%. Emergency CD (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]=2.57, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.25‒5.28) and antepartum haemorrhage (AOR=44.70, 95% CI=11.18‒178.76) were associated with increased risk of post-CD blood transfusion. Preoperative haemoglobin (AOR=0.48, 95% CI=0.36‒0.64) and rural residence (AOR=0.45, 95% CI=0.22‒0.93) were associated with reduced risk for post-CD blood transfusion.

Conclusion

The overall prevalence of post-CD transfusion in this part of Sudan is 8.2%. Women with emergency CD, low preoperative haemoglobin levels and antepartum haemorrhage were at higher risk for post-CD transfusion. Risk identification and correction of antenatal anaemia can reduce the hazard of blood transfusion among CD women.

Inequalities in prevalence of birth by caesarean section in Ghana from 1998-2014

BACKGROUND

Caesarean section (CS) is an intervention to reduce maternal and perinatal mortality, for complicated pregnancy and labour. We analysed trends in the prevalence of birth by CS in Ghana from 1998 to 2014.

METHODS

Using the World Health Organization's (WHO) Health Equity Assessment Toolkit (HEAT) software, data from the 1998-2014 Ghana Demographic and Health Surveys (GDHS) were analysed with respect of inequality in birth by CS. First, we disaggregated birth by CS by four equity stratifiers: wealth index, education, residence, and region. Second, we measured inequality through simple unweighted measures (Difference (D) and Ratio (R)) and complex weighted measures (Population Attributable Risk (PAR) and Population Attributable Fraction (PAF)). A 95% confidence interval was constructed for point estimates to measure statistical significance.

RESULTS

The proportion of women who underwent CS increased significantly between 1998 (4.0%) and 2014 (12.8%). Throughout the 16-year period, the proportion of women who gave birth by CS was positively skewed towards women in the highest wealth quintile (i.e poorest vs richest: 1.5% vs 13.0% in 1998 and 4.0% vs 27.9% in 2014), those with secondary education (no education vs secondary education: 1.8% vs 6.5% in 1998 and 5.7% vs 17.2% in 2014) and women in urban areas (rural vs urban 2.5% vs 8.5% in 1998 and 7.9% vs 18.8% in 2014). These disparities were evident in both complex weighted measures of inequality (PAF, PAR) and simple unweighted measures (D and R), although some uneven trends were observed. There were also regional disparities in birth by CS to the advantage of women in the Greater Accra Region over the years (PAR 7.72; 95% CI 5.86 to 9.58 in 1998 and PAR 10.07; 95% CI 8.87 to 11.27 in 2014).

CONCLUSION

Ghana experienced disparities in the prevalence of births by CS, which increased over time between 1998 and 2014. Our findings indicate that more work needs to be done to ensure that all subpopulations that need medically necessary CS are given access to maternity care to reduce maternal and perinatal deaths. Nevertheless, given the potential complications with CS, we advocate that the intervention is only undertaken when medically indicated.

Women Empowerment and Skilled Birth Attendants among Women in Rural Ghana

Background

A critical public health issue is maternal mortality. Around 810 women die per day from pregnancy and childbirth, with approximately 99 percent of these deaths recorded in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs). In sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), more than half of these mortalities are registered. The situation is remarkably similar in Ghana, with maternal mortality standing at 319 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2015.

Methods

Using data from 2014 Demographic and Health Surveys, the study examined the association between women empowerment and skilled birth attendance among women in rural Ghana.

Results

Women with medium decision-making (OR = 0.75, CI = 0.61, 0.93), low knowledge level (OR = 0.55, CI = 0.40, 0.76), high acceptance of wife beating (OR = 0.68, CI = 0.51, 0.90), with less than 4 ANC visits (OR = 0.25, CI = 0.19, 0.32), whose partner had higher education (OR = 1.96, CI = 1.05, 3.64), and who had a big problem with the distance getting to the health facility (OR = 0.63, CI = 0.50, 0.78) had a significant association with skilled birth attendants. Decision-making power, women's knowledge level, acceptance of wife beating, antenatal care visit, partner's education, getting medical help for self, and distance to health facility were seen to have a significant association with skilled birth attendants among women in Ghana.

Conclusion

Efforts to increase the current SBA should concentrate on the empowerment of women, male involvement in maternal health problems, women's education, and participation in the ANC. There is a need to review current policies, strategies, and services to improve maternal health conditions.

Prevalence and factors associated with caesarean section in a comprehensive specialized hospital of Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study; 2020

INTRODUCTION

Caesarean section is one of the lifesaving procedures of medical interventions attributed to the decrease of maternal and newborn mortality and morbidity rates. The World Health Organization (WHO) shows a cesarean rate between 5% and 15%. However, the prevalence of cesarean section is increasing globally as well as in Ethiopia. Different scholars argue that the prevalence and factors of the caesarian section vary in different countries and health institutions. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and factors associated with cesarean section in Debre Tabor Comprehensive Specialized Hospital.

METHOD

An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted on a total of 320 mothers who gave birth at Debre Tabor Comprehensive Specialized Hospital from July 01, 2020, to October 30, 2020. The samples were selected using the convenience sampling technique. The Data were collected using a structured checklist. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regressions were used to check the association. P-values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

The overall prevalence of cesarean section was 39.1% in the current study. Mothers age 35-39 years, educational level college and above, employed, mothers with a monthly income of >6000, and mothers with a previous history of cesarean section were significantly associated with an increased risk of cesarean section.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of cesarean section was high in Debre Tabor Comprehensive Specialized Hospital. Age of the mothers, educational status, occupation, monthly income, and previous history of cesarean section were significantly associated with an increased occurrence of cesarean section.

Do women prefer caesarean sections? A qualitative evidence synthesis of their views and experiences

Background

Caesarean sections (CS) continue to increase worldwide. Multiple and complex factors are contributing to the increase, including non-clinical factors related to individual women, families and their interactions with health providers. This global qualitative evidence synthesis explores women’s preferences for mode of birth and factors underlying preferences for CS.

Methods

Systematic database searches (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO) were conducted in December 2016 and updated in May 2019 and February 2021. Studies conducted across all resource settings were eligible for inclusion, except those from China and Taiwan which have been reported in a companion publication. Phenomena of interest were opinions, views and perspectives of women regarding preferences for mode of birth, attributes of CS, societal and cultural beliefs about modes of birth, and right to choose mode of birth. Thematic synthesis of data was conducted. Confidence in findings was assessed using GRADE-CERQual.

Results

We included 52 studies, from 28 countries, encompassing the views and perspectives of pregnant women, non-pregnant women, women with previous CS, postpartum women, and women’s partners. Most of the studies were conducted in high-income countries and published between 2011 and 2021.

Factors underlying women preferences for CS had to do mainly with strong fear of pain and injuries to the mother and child during labour or birth (High confidence), uncertainty regarding vaginal birth (High confidence), and positive views or perceived advantages of CS (High confidence).

Women who preferred CS expressed resoluteness about it, but there were also many women who had a clear preference for vaginal birth and those who even developed strategies to keep their birth plans in environments that were not supportive of vaginal births (High confidence). The findings also identified that social, cultural and personal factors as well as attributes related to health systems impact on the reasons underlying women preferences for various modes of birth (High confidence).

Conclusions

A wide variety of factors underlie women’s preferences for CS in the absence of medical indications. Major factors contributing to perceptions of CS as preferable include fear of pain, uncertainty with vaginal birth and positive views on CS. Interventions need to address these factors to reduce unnecessary CS.