Prevalence of and risk factors associated with cesarean section in Lebanon - A retrospective study based on a sample of 29,270 women

Abstract

Background: During the last decades, there has been an alarming and dramatic increase in the number of cesarean births in both developed and undeveloped countries. This increase has not been clinically justified but, nevertheless, has raised an important number of issues.

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the risk factors associated with the high cesarean section rates in Lebanon.

Methods: This study is based on a sample of 29,270 Lebanese women who were pregnant between 2000 and 2015. Among these, 14,327 gave birth by cesarean section and 14,943 gave birth vaginally. To identify the risk factors of cesarean section, logistic regression was applied as a statistical method using the SPSS statistical package.

Findings: Of the 29,270 pregnant women included in the study, 49% had cesarean sections while 51% gave birth vaginally. Repeat cesarean section accounted for 23% while vaginal birth after cesarean accounted for only 0.2% of deliveries. In addition, weekdays were associated with a preference of providers to carry out more cesarean sections. According to an analysis of our data using logistic regression, the risk factors associated with the increase in cesarean section rates were advanced maternal age, elective cesarean section, malpresentation of fetus, multiple birth, prolonged pregnancy, prolonged labor, and fetal distress.

Conclusion: Based on these results, it is recommended that a new health policy be implemented to reduce the number of unnecessary cesarean deliveries in Lebanon.

Keywords: C-section; Lebanon; Logistic regression; Risk factors.