Magnitude and associated factors of caesarean section deliveries among women who gave birth in Southwest Ethiopia: institutional-based cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Caesarean section is a life-saving comprehensive obstetric procedure of women and newborn performed during childbirth-related complications and should be universally accessible for all pregnant mothers globally. Appropriate use of caesarean section can reduce maternal and perinatal mortality. However, inappropriate use of caesarean section can negatively affect infant health, women health, and future pregnancies. The magnitude and factors associated with caesarean section delivery were not consistent and will vary between different hospitals of Ethiopia. Hence, this study aimed at assessing the magnitude and factors associated with caesarean section deliveries in Southwest Ethiopia. Methods and Materials: An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted from January 1 to February 29, 2020. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select 551 study participants. A pretested, structured, and face-to-face interview was used to collect data. Data were entered into Epi-data version 4.2.0 and exported to SPSS version 23 for analysis. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify factors associated with caesarean section deliveries. P values < 0.05 result were considered as a statistically significant association. Results: The magnitude of caesarean section deliveries was found to be 32.5 % (95 % CI; 28.6%-36.7 %). Mothers resided in an urban area [AOR = 2.58, (95% CI; 1.66–4.01)], multiple pregnancies [AOR = 3.15, (95% CI; 1.89–5.23), malpresentation [AOR = 3.05, (95% CI; 1.77–5.24)], and previous history of caesarean section [AOR = 3.55, (95% CI; 2.23–5.64) were factors associated with caesarean section deliveries. Conclusions: Caesarean section deliveries were found high in the study area. Mothers resided in an urban area, multiple pregnancies, malpresentation, and previous history of caesarean section were factors associated with caesarean section deliveries. Therefore, counselling of mothers on the risk of giving birth through elective caesarean section without absolute and relative medical indications and giving enough time for the trial of vaginal birth after caesarean section are recommended.