Prevalence of Cesarean Section Among Nurses: Predictors and Effect on Exclusive Breastfeeding

The prevalence of cesarean sections (CSs) in both industrialized and developing nations is a significant issue for public health officials, particularly in light of the knowledge of their socioeconomic underlying determinants.

To ascertain the prevalence of CS delivery among nurses, their predictors, and the effect it has on exclusive breastfeeding practice in Tamale, Ghana.

This study used a quantitative technique and an analytical cross-sectional design. Data analysis was done using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, and variable associations and predictions were identified using chi-square and logistics regression analysis.

There were 326 fully completed and returned questionnaires; the majority (40.0%) of respondents were registered general nurses (RGN). The majority of respondents (56.0%) were between the ages of 31 and 40. The prevalence rate of CS delivery was 21.1%. Predictor variables were; Community health nurses/RGN (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 3.7, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.2-11.0), and second degree/first degree level of educational attainment (AOR = 36.0, 95% CI = 2.4-528.9). The effects of CS delivery on exclusive breastfeeding were; low confidence to exclusively breastfeed, opting to combine both breastfeeding and artificial feeding, and less likely to practice exclusive breastfeeding.

Even though CSs and exclusive breastfeeding practices are both problems facing nurses, CSs seem to compound the problem of exclusive breastfeeding among nurses.