Understanding the Growing Caesarean Section Rates in Dakahlia, Egypt: a Comprehensive Analysis of Contributing Factors

Abstract

Background: Because of many reasons, Caesarean Sections (CS) global rates of deliveries continue to rise. Although caesarean section is a surgical procedure that can result in many short term and long term complications, however, now accounting for over 21% of all childbirths, with projections indicating that nearly 29% of all births will be by CS in the future according to the WHO. Some countries, such as Egypt, have even higher rates, with CS representing up to 43% of all births. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mansoura University Hospitals, from September 2024 to December 2024, to analyze the factors contributing to the increasing cesarean section rates in Dakahlia, Egypt, and evaluate associated maternal and neonatal outcomes. Results: Out of 400 cases attended in the Gynecology & Obstetric outpatient clinics in Mansoura University Hospitals, 325 of them experienced caesarean section, after readdressing the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 174 were analyzed. Most common indications of caesarean section were; unreliable causes (15.5%), malpresentation (17.2%), failure to progress labour (14.3%), and patient request (11.5%). Although (89.1%) of the cases had no puerperium complications, there were puerperal pyrexia cases by (5.7%). Conclusion: Because of the high rates of caesarean section surgeries done with unreliable causes, it here comes the role to enhance the clinical assessment to reduce the rate of unnecessary C-sections. Additionally, there is a need to raise awareness about C-section, its benefits and probable complications so that women can engage in the decision making process actively.