Prevalence of Cesarean Section and its Related Factors among Primiparas in Tehran Province, Iran, in 2015

In recent years, the prevalence of Cesarean section (CS) has risen significantly worldwide, especially in Iran. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of Cesarean section among primipars, and identify related factors in Tehran province.
This cross-sectional study was conducted on 2120 primipars who gave singleton birth in Tehran province from 6 to 21 July 2015. Data were collected by a researcher-made questionnaire through interview with mothers and review of their medical records. To identify factor associated with Cesarean section, logistic regression model was used.
Findings: The prevalence of Cesarean section was 72.1%. In univariate analysis, higher maternal age, parents’ educational level, economic status, body mass index, fetal head circumference, preeclampsia, and use of assisted reproductive technology were associated with Cesarean section. Moreover, multivariate analysis showed a significant relationship between Cesarean section with mother’s age, economic status, and body mass index and also with fetal head circumference.
The prevalence of Cesarean section is very high in Tehran province. Factors such as mother’s age, socioeconomic status, and body mass index, and fetal head circumference were related to Cesarean section. Moreover, there is a critical need to improve the education, quality of natural delivery services, and providing psychological interventions to reduce the Cesarean section rate and its adverse outcomes.