JBS Vol 21. Num 2. 2019 - Cesarean Section Delivery in Bangladesh

Cesarean deliveries (C-section) have continued to rise at an alarming rate in Bangladesh, a trend which may increase maternal health risks. The prevalence of C-section deliveries in an institutional setting has increased from 2.4% in 1999-2000, to 7.5% in 2007 and to 23% in 2014. This study finds that 15.3% of the C-section performed in 2014 were in the avoidable category. The bivariate analysis shows that the rate varied according to the age at first birth, division (region), place of residence, educational level, access to any media, household wealth quintile of the respondent, birth order, frequency of antenatal care visits, body mass index, and place of delivery. The analysis reveals that the rate of C-section delivery is substantially higher at private hospitals than at public facilities. Our results show that women with higher income households and higher education have a greater probability of a C-section childbirth. However, it is not only the demand side, but also the supply side issues such as the doctor’s ethics or lack thereof, which may influence these trends and increase health risks for both the mother and child. These also result in an increased economic burden on the existing medical infrastructure of the country. The paper recommends creating a database for greater transparency, and other guidelines to regulate C-section deliveries in the country.