Prevalence and Determinants of Cesarean Section among Women: Secondary Analysis of the Survey of Young People in Egypt (SYPE) Data, 2014

Background: Caesarean section (C.S) rates are high and continue to rise in developed and developing countries. World Health Organization (WHO) stated that C-section is a vital treatment in pregnancy. However, the potential risk of C-section may outweigh the benefits when it is used inappropriately as Cesarean section has a higher risk of complications than a vaginal birth. Cesarean section deliveries have been steadily increasing in Egypt from 4.6% in 1992, 6.7% in 1995, 10.3 % in 2000, to about 52% in 2014. Objectives: to determine the prevalence rate of cesarean section among a sample of women and to identify its determinants. Method: The data and information used for this research are based on secondary analysis of the questionnaires of Survey of Young People in Egypt (SYPE) 2014. The research includes all women who had ever given birth. Results: A total 2796 of ever given birth women were included. 906 of the studied women had cesarean section with a prevalence rate of 32.4 %. The results revealed that the C.S was higher in the age group (18 - 24 years) and in higher educational level. Cesarean section was higher among women from urban areas than those from rural areas. Cesarean section was increased with increasing the socioeconomic status. Cesarean section rate increased with parity. It was also higher among women receiving antenatal care compared with women who did not receive antenatal care. As regards the number of living children, C.S was higher among women with a smaller number of live children than those with more live children. Cesarean section rate was increased among women who experienced abortion and still birth. Women using contraception showed higher rate of C.S. There was a higher rate of cesarean section among smokers. Cesarean section rate increased with increasing weight and obesity. More than half of women who was complaining of bronchial asthma had cesarean section. Conclusion: there was a higher prevalence rate of CS than recommended by the WHO in Egypt. Age, higher educational level, urban residence, higher socioeconomic status. receiving antenatal care, smoking, overweight and obesity and bronchial asthma are the main contributing factors for using cesarean section as a mode of delivery.