Cesarean rate and its related factors in

cording to the WHO, no region in the world can justify the Cesarean rate higher than 10-15%. However, statistics of most areas over the world show a great discrepancy with this figure. There has been a gradual increase in Cesarean births over the past 30 years with greater risk for maternal health, lengthier recovery, more cost, and increased mortality rate. Some authorities believe that over half of the Cesareans are unnecessary. is descriptive correlational study was conducted to determine the rate and related factors of Cesarean birth in Bojnurd. 473 singleton mothers delivering matured term newborns over 2500 gr. were selected. Delivery type was considered as a dependent variable whereas 20 other variables mainly associated with socioeconomic status of family and characteristics of mothers as well as infants were considered as independent variables. Data were collected by a questionnaire, measurement of infants’ head circumference and interview with mothers. Content and test-retest methods were used respectively to validate and made the tool reliable (r=0.7). Cesarean birth rate in Bojnurd was 25.4% and was positively correlated with better job position and parents’ level of education.