Prevalence and Associated Factors of Cesarean Section Delivery in Nepal

Abstract Introduction Caesarean section delivery plays a crucial role in saving the lives of mother and child. This study assesses the prevalence and associated factors of cesarean section (CS) delivery in the Nepal. Methods The data used for this study were nationally representative data from the Nepal Demographic and Health Survey 2022. Frequency and cross tabulation, simple logistic regression, and multivariable binary logistic regression analyses for adjusted and unadjusted odd ratios were performed to accomplish the study. Results In Nepal, the prevalence of CS delivery is 18.2 percent in 2023. The research identifies regional and ethnic disparities, maternal education, wealth index, antenatal visit, place of delivery, and maternal age as significant contributors to the likelihood of CS. Geographical variations, emphasizing higher CS rates in the Terai region and urban areas, and disparities between provinces. The Dalit community exhibits significantly lower rates of CS by ethnic group. Highly educated women showed over a three-fold increase in CS. Wealth disparities reveal a more than sixfold higher likelihood of CS among the wealthiest group compared to the poorest. Extensive antenatal care, a positive indicator of maternal healthcare engagement, is surprisingly associated with heightened CS rates. Private health facilities have a six-time higher CS than public health facilities. Additionally, older maternal age presents a sixfold higher risk of CS. Conclusion Along with the advancement of society, there seems to be an increase in CS, which is surpassing the World Health Organization's recommended range in Nepal. The study calls for interventions and healthcare policies addressing these multifaceted socio-economic and regional influences on CS rates in Nepal.