Rising Cesarean Section Rates in Pakistan: Analyzing Frequency and Key Risk Factors in a Tertiary-Care Hospital

Abstract

The increasing frequency of cesarean sections (CS) has emerged as a significant public health concern, particularly in Pakistan. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the prevalence of CS and its contributing factors among mothers in an underdeveloped region of the country. Data were collected from 250 delivery cases using a self-developed questionnaire. Among the participants, 110 (44%) had undergone CS, with 67 (60.9%) being emergency procedures and 43 (39.1%) elective. Statistical analysis revealed that younger maternal age (p = 0.04), type of CS (p = 0.05), and education level (p = 0.04) were significantly associated with higher rates of CS. Major medical risk factors contributing to CS included preeclampsia/eclampsia, vaginal hemorrhage, gestational diabetes, and hypertension (p < 0.001). Furthermore, urban residence, younger maternal age (20-24 years), and preterm gestational age were also identified as significant contributors. The findings suggest that the high rate of CS (44%) in the study population is influenced not only by physiological and medical factors but also by demographic elements such as education, income, and type of delivery. To mitigate unnecessary CS, community-focused educational interventions targeting at-risk populations should be implemented during pregnancy. Effective measures are essential to reduce the rising CS rates in Pakistan.