Abstract:

Background: Caesarian section has been increasing markedly as days goes on. Studies from developed countries show that the indications for caesarian section have changed over the last decade. The caesarian section rate in Tanzania increased three folds from 2% in 1996 to 6% in 2015-2016. Therefore, the interest to study this study was consistent with the above dramatic increase in number of CS, associated with increased poor maternal and fetal outcome.

Objectives: The study focused on the prevalence, indications and complications of CS at Korogwe district hospital.

Methods: The study was an analytical retrospective hospital study with quantitative research approach. A purposive sampling technique was employed for archiving a minimum sample size of 86 caesarian section deliveries. A structured checklist was the main data collection method and SPSS was used for data analysis.

Results: The study involved 220 participants who had undergone caesarian section at district hospital in Korogwe from January to June 2020 whereby total delivery was 1067. A prevalence of 0.2% was obtained. In assessment of indications of caesarian section, the most common indication was previous scar (25.0%) followed by obstructed labor due to any other cause (22.3%) and non-reassuring fetal status (17.3%). 29% of all 220 women who had undergone caesarian section had complications and that the most observed complication was wound sepsis (16%), bleeding (PPH) 7%, bladder injury 4% and stool incontinence 2%.

Conclusion and Recommendations: There has been a significant increase over time in the Caesarian section rate overall. The study revealed that previous scar was the most common indication of caesarian section, followed by obstructed labor due to any other cause and non-reassuring fetal status. 29% of all women who had undergone caesarian section had complications and that the most leading complication was wound sepsis (16%), bleeding (PPH) 7% bladder injury 4% and stool incontinence 2%. Therefore, women with previous caesarean section should be encouraged to attend hospitals providing comprehensive emergency obstetric care. The quality of intrapartum monitoring should be audited to improve maternal and newborn outcome. Also the use of antibiotics before caesarian section should be mobilized and emphasized in order to reduce risk of SSI and other associated complications.