Rate and indications of cesarean section in the Maternity Teaching Hospital in Erbil City, Kurdistan region, Iraq

Background and objective: Knowing the rate and indications of the cesarean section will help to have an overview of this common type of obstetrical procedure and to plan for the high level of care management. This study aimed to find out the rate of cesarean section and to identify its indications. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Maternity Teaching Hospital in Erbil city of Kurdistan Region, Iraq. Data were collected during the period of 20th of March to 30th of December 2015 by an interview with 722 women who were admitted to the hospital and underwent cesarean section out of 11881 cesarean section done during 2015. Results: Results showed the increasing rate of the cesarean section from 28.5% in 2010 to 35.77% in 2015. The main overall indications for cesarean section were a previous cesarean section (70.49%), cephalopelvic disproportion (35.31%) and mother’s request (14.26%). Conclusion: Rate of cesarean section is much higher than the optimal range recommended by the World Health Organization. Finding the appropriate strategies for decreasing the rate of primary and secondary indications is essential.