Effect of Mode of Delivery on Children Intelligence Quotient at Pre-School Age in El-Minia City

Abstract

Background: There has always been an asking question with obstetricians and health staff whether delivery mode can affects child intelligence. This study was conducted to compare the intelligence quotient (IQ) of pre-school aged children delivered by cesarean section (C.S) and spontaneous vaginal delivery (S.V.D) in Minia city. Aim of the study: to determine effect of mode of delivery on children IQ at pre-school age in Minia city. Materials and Methods: structured interviewing sheet including: Socio-demographic data such as (mother's age, level of education, etc), obstetrical history including (Number of deliveries, duration of labor, etc), Child history including (gestational age of the child/ week, birth weight / Kg, etc). And "Good enough & Harries" intelligence test were used. Design: Cross sectional descriptive research design. Setting: data were collected from Nursery schools in Minia City. Sampling: Three hundreds children were included in this study; they were divided into two groups (150 children delivered by S.V.D and 150 children delivered by C.S). Results: The study results revealed that there are no statistically significant differences between children IQ scores based on mode of delivery at (P <0.05). On the other hand by using other advanced statistical technique called "stepwise regression" having the ability to determine variables which can predict the children IQ, in this study it was found that we can predict children IQ through three variables which are: S.V.D that was related to higher IQ scores, mother's age and number of deliveries in a direct negative relation at (P< 0.05). Conclusion & recommendations: Based on our findings, the association between cesarean deliveries with better cognitive development in children cannot be supported.