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. 2024 Oct 24;16(10):e72333.
doi: 10.7759/cureus.72333. eCollection 2024 Oct.

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

Ismail Jadoon  1 , Mudassir Khattak  2 , Khoula S Mughal  1 , Umair S Mughal  3 , Majid Khan  2 , Saud A Abdulsamad  4   5 , Abdulghani A Naeem  4   5
Affiliations

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

Ismail Jadoon et al. Cureus. .

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.

Keywords: cesarean section; determinants; elective; emergency; haemorrhage; perinatal mortality; pre-eclampsia.

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Conflict of interest statement

Human subjects: Consent for treatment and open access publication was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Institutional Ethics Review Committee, Abasyn University, Peshawar issued approval IERC-AUP 2024-021. Animal subjects: All authors have confirmed that this study did not involve animal subjects or tissue. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Rate of CS in the study population
CS: Cesarean section
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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