Rising cesarean section rates, a patient's perspective: experience from a high birth rate country

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Public Health
• Sociology

Background:

• Cesarean section (CS) rates vary globally, influenced by socioeconomic and demographic factors.
• Understanding women's preferences for delivery methods is crucial for maternal healthcare planning.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the impact of social class, education, and antenatal care on cesarean section rates.
• To investigate how these factors influence women's preferences for cesarean delivery.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive study involving 509 women at postnatal clinics in Ismailia, Egypt.
• Data collected via structured questionnaires on socio-demographics, obstetrical history, and economic status.

Main Results:

• Over half (52.3%) of participants delivered via CS.
• Higher education and economic status were significantly associated with higher CS rates.
• Women's preference for CS was also significantly influenced by educational level and economic standards.

Conclusions:

• Educational attainment and economic standing are significant determinants of both cesarean section rates and women's preferences for this delivery method.
• Findings highlight the need to address socioeconomic disparities in obstetric care decisions.