Caesarean delivery rate and indications at a secondary healthcare Facility in Ibadan, South Western Nigeria: a five-year review.

Ismail, Waheed O; Bello, Ibrahim S; Olowookere, Samuel A; Ibrahim, Azeez O; Agbesanwa, Tosin A; Adekunle, Wulaimat A

Background Caesarean delivery is an essential surgical skill within the primary care setting aimed at reducing maternal morbidity and mortality. Objectives To determine the rate and indications for caesarean deliveries with a view to improving on the service delivery in the study area. Methods A retrospective review of all caesarean deliveries over a five-year period, January 1st, 2012 to December 31st, 2016. Results A total of 2321 deliveries were recorded during the study duration and 481 of them were through caesarean section (CS) giving a caesarean section rate of 20.4%. The rate was higher in the multigravida 255 (53.1%). The commonest indication for caesarean section was previous caesarean section 131 (27.2%). Emergency caesarean delivery accounted for 278 (57.8%). Only 16 (3.3%) stayed more than five days postoperatively while the rest, 465 (96.7%), stayed less than five days. There was a gradual yearly increase in rate from 12.1% in 2012 to 19.5% in 2016. Conclusion The rate of CS in this study has shown a gradual yearly increase with emergency CS having a higher percentage. Early diagnosis and referral of high-risk pregnancies from peripheral hospitals could reduce emergency CS among the study population.