| dc.description.abstract | Introduction
Cesarean section is a potentially lifesaving intervention. However, it carries life-threatening health complications. There are limited studies on cesarean section rates and related factors among adolescent mothers in Busoga region, yet it has one of the highest teenage pregnancy rates that may call for cesarean section delivery. This study aimed at investigating the prevalence of cesarean section, its outcomes and related factors among adolescent mothers from (10 to 19 years) in Kamuli and Mayuge Districts. Methodology: This was a facility-based descriptive cross-sectional study design. Quantitative data was collected using a record review guide to review 494 records from maternity registers and patient files from January to December 2022. Systematic random sampling was used to select the records. Bivariate and multivariate analysis were conducted using logistic regression to assess the factors associated with cesarean. Qualitative data were obtained by purposively conducting key informant interviews among health care workers who included doctors and midwives in selected health facilities. These data were analyzed using manual thematic content analysis. Results: The average age of the adolescent mothers was 17.8±1.2 years. The majority, 67.2% (332/494) were married. The prevalence of cesarean section was 10.0% (51/494). Out of the 51 adolescent mothers who had a cesarean section delivery, 9.8% (5/51) died after the procedure and almost one-fifths 15.7% (8/51) developed complications after. Additionally, 3.9% (2/51) of the newborns delivered were pre-term, 11.8% (6/51) died after birth, 5.9% (3/51) had abnormalities, 15.7% (8/51) had fetal distress, and 9.8% (5/51) developed complications after birth. The odds of cesarean section were higher among adolescent mothers with parity greater than one (AOR=141.8, CI=2.02-9943.05, p<0.001), a previous scar (A0R=32.95, CI=4.72- 229.79, p<0.001), pre-eclampsia (AOR=59.96, CI=3.89-924.66, p=0.003), oligohydramnios (AOR=41.68, CI=2.76-629.62, p=0.007), and multiple pregnancy (AOR=19.77, CI=2.13-183.60, p=0.009). Similarly, adolescent mothers who had pregnancy with breech presentation (AOR=144.64, CI=11.21-1867.09, p<0.001) had an increased prevalence of cesarean section. Furthermore, the level of health facilities preparedness to conduct the cesarean section, health workers’ perception, and catchment population characteristics influenced cesarean section delivery at health facility level.
Conclusion:
The prevalence of cesarean section was within the recommended 10% to 15% range (WHO, 2015a). Outcomes among newborns and adolescent mothers were neonatal and maternal death, and complications. Having parity of more than once, previous scar, pre-eclampsia, multiple pregnancy, oligohydramnios, and breech prescription were associated with cesarean section rates. The level of health facilities preparedness to conduct the cesarean section, health workers’ perception, and catchment population characteristics influenced cesarean section deliveries. There is need for continued monitoring of health care through more health education programs, worker motivation, and increased funding to ensure preparedness of health facilities to conduct cesarean sections. | en_US |
