Assessing five-year trend and socio-demographic determinants of caesarean section delivery in Ghana

The rate of caesarean section (C-section) deliveries has been increasing globally, including in low- and middle-income countries like Ghana. Understanding the trends, patterns, and socio-demographic determinants of C-section deliveries is crucial for improving maternal healthcare services and reducing unnecessary surgical interventions. This study aims to assess the trend and factors associated with CS deliveries in Ghana using secondary data from the District Health Information Management System 2 (DHIMS-2) database.

A cross-sectional study design was employed, utilizing secondary data extracted from the District Health Information Management System 2 (DHIMS-2) database covering a period of five years (2017-2021). The data included information on C-section deliveries from both public and private health facilities in Ghana. Descriptive and inferential analysis was conducted to explore the associations between socio-demographic factors and C-section delivery.

The study findings revealed that a significant proportion of women who underwent C-section deliveries had formal education up to the JHS/Middle school level. Most of the deliveries occurred in hospitals and government-owned facilities. The study also observed that more than half of the women had a C-section delivery, with the highest percentage occurring in 2019 and 2020. Additionally, the majority of women had health insurance coverage.

Ghana's high C-section rate is a concern, driven by increased availability, socio-demographic factors, and regional healthcare disparities. Advanced maternal age, higher education, and formal employment increase the likelihood of C-sections. To address this, Ghana needs to strengthen antenatal care, promote natural childbirth, and improve access to quality healthcare facilities. To reduce unnecessary C-sections and enhance maternal health, Ghana should develop national guidelines, allocate resources to strengthen regional healthcare infrastructure, and launch public awareness campaigns. By implementing these strategies, Ghana can reduce C-sections by 20-30%, lower maternal morbidity and mortality rates, and improve newborn health outcomes. This will prioritize maternal health and ensure better outcomes for mothers and newborns nationwide.