Abstract

CCesarean Section (CS) is the important indicator of emergency obstetric care performed to save maternal and fetal lives by preventing complications during labor. This study aimed at identifying the trend of CS over two decades in Nepal and also find out its correlates. National demographic and health survey (NDHS) data from the year 1996, 2001, 2006, 2011 and 2016 were used for this study. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression models were performed to find the trend and correlates of CS over time. Results showed that the rate of institutional-based CS has increased by 4% within these two decades from about 10.4% (95% CI: (8.9-11.6) %, p<0.01) in 1996 to 16.4% (95% CI: (14.5-18.5) %, p<0.01) in 2016. Government institutions showed no bigger change however private institutions had significant 3-fold rise in the rate of CS from 1996 to 2016. With the light of increasing CS on private institutions and on certain sub-groups of the population (richest, well educated) government should find a way to implement programs focusing on maternal and child health care accessibility and equity over each sub-group of the population.

Keywords: Cesarean section; Nepal, Institutional deliveries; C-section