title: Effect of Iranian Ministry of Health protocols on cesarean section rate: a quasi-experimental study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  High Cesarean section rate is a major health problem in developing countries. This study was established to evaluate the effectiveness of Iranian Ministry of Health and Medical Education protocols on Cesarean section rate trend.
  
  
  METHODS
  Through a non-concurrent controlled quasi-experimental study, Cesarean section rate in Shohada-e-Tajrish and Taleghani hospitals in Tehran was compared during 2008-2009. Intervention group included 578 participants hospitalized because of premature rupture of membranes, prolonged pregnancy, pre-eclampsia, intra-uterine growth retardation, vaginal bleeding and premature labor in first and second trimester underwent interventions based on MOHME new protocol. On the other hand 594 cases as control group were selected during the same time before the intervention and underwent routine treatments. Descriptive statics, t-test, chi square and univariate analysis were used when appropriate.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Basic characteristics in two groups had no statistically significant difference. Cesarean section applied for 360 (67.8%) women in case group and on the other hand, 270 (48.8%) Cesarean sections were done for control group (P<0.001). There was 19 % difference between intervention and control groups. Complication of pregnancies had increased by 6% in intervention group (P<0.001). Mortality rate in the study was zero in both groups.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Applying clinical practice guidelines does not guarantee decreasing Cesarean section rate. Providing appropriate service may increase the ability of service providers to find more indications for Cesarean section.
authors.affiliation: Infertility And Reproductive Health Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
authors.forename: Mahnaz
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Yavangi
authors.forename: Mohammad-Reza
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Sohrabi
authors.forename: Amir
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Alishahi Tabriz
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002585:Cesarean Section / Q000592:standards / Q000639:trends*; D002985:Clinical Protocols / Q000592:standards*; D004502:Education, Medical, Continuing / Q000379:methods; D055317:Evidence-Based Practice / Q000193:education* / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D019983:Guideline Adherence / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006291:Health Policy; D006784:Hospitals, Teaching; D006801:Humans; D007492:Iran / Q000453:epidemiology; D008427:Maternal Health Services / Q000592:standards*; D009774:Obstetrics / Q000193:education*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic / Q000592:standards; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D037841:Pregnant People
keywords: Cesarean section; Maternal Health Services; Practice guidelines; Pregnancy