Cesarean section rate: The effect of age and parity

Abstract

Abstract Objective: To determine the impact of age and parity on Cesarean section rate. Methods: Between 1 January 1998 and 31 December 1998, 7671 women delivered in two Jordanian military hospitals (Prince Rhashed Hospital (PRH) and Prince Zaid Hospital (PZH)). A total of 717 Cesarean sections were performed during the same period. Patients who underwent Cesarean section were divided into three age groups: (i) <25 years ( n = 140); (ii) 25–35 years ( n = 231); and (iii) >35 years ( n = 346). In addition, these patients were divided into five parity (P) groups: (i) P0 ( n = 85); (ii) P1 ( n = 68); (iii) P2 ( n = 83); (iv) P3 ( n = 106); and (v) >P3 ( n = 375). Information abstracted included maternal characteristics and indications for Cesarean section. Statistical analyses were performed using Pearson’s Chi‐squared test to evaluate the association between age, parity and Cesarean section. Results: Of 7671 deliveries conducted during the study period, 717 Cesarean sections were performed, giving an incidence of 9.3%. The Cesarean section rate in the <25, 25–35 and >35 years age groups was 5.2, 6.9, and 20.9%, respectively. The Cesarean section rate in the P0–>P3 parity groups was 8.5, 7.1, 7.4, 6.3 and 12.9%, respectively. According to the indications, a statistically significant increase in Cesarean section rates with increasing maternal age and parity ( P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively) was observed. Conclusion: The Cesarean section rate was positively influenced by increasing maternal age and parity.