Frequency of, and indications for the first time C-section in Zanjan, Iran

Abstract

Background & Aim: The causes of increased rate of Cesarean section (C-section) are not completely known. The repeated C-sections are frequently reported in studies conducted in Iran. This study aimed to determine the frequency of, and indications for the first time Csection (FCS) in Zanjan, Iran in 2012-2013. Methods & Materials: A cross-sectional study was conducted and systematic random sampling was used to select medical records of delivered women. We provided a selfstructured short questionnaire. Data were collected from the medical records and analyzed using independent sample t-test, and Chi-square test. Results: A total of 4563 women have been delivered during the period of the study from which 1928 cases (42.25%) underwent C-section. Among women who had C-section, 1144 cases (59.3%) underwent first time C-section. The three most frequent indications for FCS were prolonged labor (35.2%), meconium staining (22.2%), and fetal distress (21.9%). Conclusion: The frequency of FCS is high in Zanjan, Iran. Adequate following of programs to diminish the percentage of first time C-section and increase the number of vaginal birth would significantly reduce the prevalence of C-sections.

Keywords

• C-section
• indication
• first time Cesarean section
• frequency