Document Type
Review Article
Department
Obstetrics and Gynaecology; School of Nursing and Midwifery, Pakistan; Community Health Sciences
Abstract
The significant increase in the rate of cesarean section is a major public health issue. The World Health Organization recommends C-section rates not to be greater than 10% and not lower than 5% as both the indicated limits can adversely affect maternal and newborn health. The rate of C-section deliveries is 22% according to recent Pakistan demographics and Health Survey of 2017-2018. This study contributes to the existing literature by examining the factors influencing high C-section rates in Pakistan. A narrative review of published literature between 2000 to 2020, on “factors influencing C-section rates in Pakistan” was done. The findings highlighted five factors that primarily influence utilization of C-section which include: 1. Accessibility to utilize C-section, 2. Association of C-section rates with socioeconomic profile, 3. Elective C-section, 4. Medical conditions as a cause of C-section, 5. C-section as a source of business. Pakistan like other Low middle income countries (LMICs) is facing the increased disease burden on its week and fragile health system. The over utilization of C-section rates has imposed additional burden on the health care system of Pakistan as well as increased economic and health resource liability on maternal care.
Publication ( Name of Journal)
Pakistan Journal of Medical Research
Recommended Citation
Khowaja, B. H.,
Mughal, F. B.,
Valliani, K.
(2021). The factors influencing cesarean-section rates-A narrative review from Pakistan. Pakistan Journal of Medical Research, 60(3), 143-147.
Available at:
https://ecommons.aku.edu/pakistan_fhs_mc_women_childhealth_obstet_gynaecol/233
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License
Included in
Female Urogenital Diseases and Pregnancy Complications Commons, Obstetrics and Gynecology Commons