Comparative study on caesarian and normal vaginal delivery, Rajshahi Division, Bangladesh

One of the most important public health concerns is the marked rise in the number of caesarean sections. The World Health Organisation advises against CS rates exceeding 10% or falling below 5%, as both extremes can negatively impact the health of expectant mothers and newborns. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of CS and NVD delivery among mothers in Rajshahi Division, Bangladesh. This cross-sectional study (July 2024) included 393 postpartum mothers from Rajshahi Division. Data were collected via semi-structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and binary logistic regression. The prevalence of NVD and CS delivery among lower-educated mothers was 59% and 41%, respectively. Mothers in Naogaon district were more likely to deliver by CS compared to those in other districts in Bangladesh. Women aged ≥ 30 years (AOR 74.934; 95% CI 12.831-437.613) were more likely to prefer CS delivery compared to younger women, with this association being statistically significant (p < 0.01). Educated women (AOR 83.469; 95% CI 2.554-2727.394) were more likely to prefer CS delivery compared to their lower-educated counterparts, and it was statistically significant (p < 0.05). This study found a high prevalence of caesarean section (CS) deliveries in the Rajshahi Division of Bangladesh, with particularly increasing trends observed in Naogaon. Factors such as older maternal age, higher maternal education, lower paternal education, employment in the service sector, non-Muslim religion, and lower family income were associated with higher CS rates. Further research is needed to understand these trends and to promote informed decision-making for the safe and appropriate use of CS in Bangladesh.