Social determinants of caesarean section among child bearing women in Zambia.

This study determined social determinants of Caesarean Section among child bearing women in Zambia. The study used a quantitative research paradigm and followed a stratified two-stage sample design. A cross-sectional study design was used. The study was guided by the following research questions. a) What socio-demographic factors are associated with Caesarean Section among child bearing women In Zambia? b) Which socio-economic factors are associated with Caesarean Section among child bearing women in Zambia? Study findings revealed that level of education, wealth index, place of delivery, type of place of residence and birth order were major determinants of Caesarean Section. The socio- demographic factor associated with Caesarean Section among child bearing women in Zambia was birth order. The findings revealed that the percentage of women undergoing Caesarean Section decreases from the 1st to the 5th birth order. In addition, level of education, wealth index, place of delivery and type of place of residence were identified as socio-economic factors associated with Caesarean Section among child bearing women in Zambia. The study recommends that: i) In line with government policy on maternal interventions, the practice of Trial of Labour (TOLAC) for women with a history of Caesarean Section should be considered. ii) Increasing women’s access to non-medical interventions during labour such as continuous support during labour and External Cephalic Version (ECV) is vital.
iii) Further, there is need for the Ministry of Health to strengthen adherence of healthcare professionals to clinical practice guidelines combined with audit and feedback.