Cesarean section on request in a developing country.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the prevalence of cesarean sections (CSs) and women's reasons for requesting the procedure in a developing country.


METHODS
Pregnant women scheduled for elective CS were interviewed to determine whether the procedure was requested by them or suggested by a physician. The women who personally requested a CS filled out questionnaires before surgery and at the postnatal visit 6 weeks later, and their answers were analyzed.


RESULTS
The prevalence of CS on request was 4.4%. Previous infertility and advanced maternal age at first pregnancy were the most common reasons for requesting a CS, but most women said they would prefer a vaginal delivery in subsequent pregnancies.


CONCLUSIONS
The women who requested a CS in this study did so for reasons different from those put forth by women in developed countries. The view that a CS is the surest way toward a live birth was the critical factor underlying their choice.
Chigbu
C O
CO
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria. chchigbu@yahoo.com
Ezeome
I V
IV
Iloabachie
G C
GC
D000328:Adult; D002585:Cesarean Section / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003906:Developing Countries / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D017558:Elective Surgical Procedures / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008423:Maternal Age; D009549:Nigeria / Q000453:epidemiology; D010358:Patient Participation; D017060:Patient Satisfaction / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011247:Pregnancy