Factors associated with women’s intention to request caesarean delivery in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Abstract

Background. In the past decade, the rate of caesarean section (CS) has increased dramatically in many parts of the world. At Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH) there has been a dramatic rise in the caesarean section rate over the past decade.

Objective. To determine the incidence of maternal request for CS and factors associated with intention to request caesarean section at the MNH antenatal clinic.

Methods. We conducted a cross-sectional study from August to October 2014. A structured questionnaire gathered participants’ background and obstetric information, perceptions and opinions regarding a request for caesarean section, and the respective reasons for the request. Confidence intervals were calculated and a p-value <0.05 was considered significant.

Results. The incidence of CS on maternal request was about 6%. The intention to request for CS in the index pregnancy was 8%. Higher-level education and formal-sector employment had higher odds for requesting CS (p=0.01 and p=0.05, respectively). Half of the participants agreed that maternal request for CS should be allowed; more private patients agreed that it could affect the doctor-patient relationship (p=0.02); more private patients agreed that request for CS was due to fear of losing a child (p=0.03). Previous history of CS was an independent predictor of maternal request for caesarean section (OR 1.7; 95% CI 1.7 - 15.4) and (OR 5.8; 95% CI 1.6 - 20.1), respectively.

Conclusion. Maternal requests for CS exist at the national referral hospital in Tanzania. This was associated with factors other than women’s preferences, including perceived fear of child loss and events associated with previous CS.