Abstract
Background and objectives: Evidence suggests that cesarean section following uncomplicated pregnancies increases mortality and morbidity of mother and neonates. The aim of present study was to estimate the prevalence of cesarean section and its correlates in Tabriz city.
Method and material: In this cross - sectional study 1473 women were face -to - face interviewed who attended to 6 hospitals in Tabriz for delivery in September 2004. The questionnaire was included some questions regarding demographic characteristics and type of labor. Chi square test and independent t – test was used for statistical analysis by SPSS and EPI software.
Results: In this study, 672(45.6%) of all cases had cesarean section. Higher age of women, higher level of education, higher level of socio-economic status and hospitalization in private hospitals were associated with cesarean section (p<0.001). The mean age of subjects with cesarean section and vaginal delivery were 25.51 5.4 and 27.69 5.3 respectively (p<0.001).
Conclusion: We concluded that Prevalence of cesarean section, especially in private hospitals is high. An educational program aimed at changing attitude toward cesarean section and enhance knowledge of women about painless delivery may be a successful prevention.