A multi-level analysis of prevalence and factors associated with caesarean section in Nigeria

Publisher:
Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Publication Type:
Journal Article
Citation:
PLOS Global Public Health, 2023, 3, (6), pp. e0000688
Issue Date:
2023
Full metadata record
The choice of caesarean section CS plays a significant role in maternal and neonatal health However suboptimal CS uptake suggests unmet obstetric care leading to adverse maternal and neonatal health Considering that maternal health problems in Nigeria remain a public health problem this present study aims to assess the prevalence and multilevel factors associated with caesarean section among women of reproductive age in Nigeria Data from the 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey were analysed Our analyses included 19 964 women of reproductive age with their last birth within five years preceding the survey Multilevel logistic regression analysis was carried out to examine the predictors of the caesarean section in Nigeria The prevalence of CS among women of reproductive age in Nigeria was 3 11 Women from the Yoruba ethnic group aOR 0 52 95 CI 0 32 0 84 with two children aOR 0 67 95 CI 0 52 0 88 three children aOR 0 49 95 CI 0 36 0 66 four children and above aOR 0 34 95 CI 0 26 0 46 those who practised Islam aOR 0 74 95 CI 0 56 0 99 and those that had a normal weighted baby aOR 0 73 95 CI 0 60 0 99 were less likely to report having a CS in Nigeria compared to those from Hausa Fulani ethnic group those who had one child those who practised Christianity and those who had a high weighted baby Also women residing in rural areas aOR 0 79 95 CI 0 63 0 99 and the South South aOR 0 65 95 CI 0 46 0 92 were less likely to have CS compared to those residing in urban areas and North Central The study concluded that several individual and community level factors such as religious belief number of children ethnicity place of residence and region of residence were associated with CS utilisation in Nigeria Our study highlights the need for different regional local and cultural contexts for evidence based policy and programmatic efforts to facilitate equitable access to a caesarean section in Nigeria
Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: