[Cesarean sections: an epidemic profile]

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Public Health
• Sociology of Medicine

Background:

• High cesarean section rates are a global concern.
• Understanding factors influencing cesarean rates is crucial for maternal health.
• Previous studies suggested socioeconomic and demographic factors influence delivery methods.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize cesarean section rates in São José do Rio Preto in 1992.
• To identify demographic, socioeconomic, and attitudinal factors associated with cesarean delivery.
• To explore the perceived value of cesarean sections among women and healthcare professionals.

Main Methods:

• Household interviews with 553 women who had live births in 1992.
• Statistical analysis of cesarean rates based on parity, age, tubal ligation, income, and healthcare access.
• Qualitative data collection through interviews with medical school professors and a survey of local media and women.

Main Results:

• The estimated incidence of cesarean sections was 80.5%.
• Cesarean rates increased with parity, age, and income.
• Women utilizing private healthcare and those with tubal ligation had higher cesarean rates.
• Both healthcare professionals and women expressed a positive valuation of cesarean procedures.

Conclusions:

• Cesarean section delivery was highly prevalent in São José do Rio Preto in 1992.
• Parity, age, income, private healthcare utilization, and tubal ligation were associated with higher cesarean rates.
• A cultural shift towards valuing cesarean sections among both providers and patients may have contributed to the high rates.