Prevalence and Factors Associated with Caesarean section among Tanzanian women of reproductive age: Evidence from the 2022 Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey Data

Abstract

Background Caesarean section is one of the commonest surgical procedures worldwide. It is an important medical intervention for reducing the risk of poor perinatal outcomes. However, trends in caesarean section in sub-Saharan Africa continue to increase, while maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity remain high. This study aims to determine the prevalence and factors associated with caesarean section in Tanzania. Methodology This was a secondary data analysis of 4,768 women of reproductive age (15-49) in Tanzania. The data utilized was from the Tanzania Demographic Health and Survey (TDHS) 2022. The factors associated with caesarean section were identified using multivariable binary logistic regression. Results Out of 4,768 women of reproductive age in Tanzania, 497 (10.4%) underwent a cesarean section. Attained primary (aOR: 1.79 ,95% CI 1.23-2.60), secondary (aOR:2.07,95% CI 1.36-3.14) and higher education (aOR: 2.35, 95% CI 1.08-5.12) or having a husband/partner with higher education ,being in richer household wealth quintile (aOR:1.98 ,95% CI (1.31-3.00) or in the middle (aOR :1.91 ,95% CI (1.28-2.85), having a job (aOR : 1.29, 95% CI: 1.05-1.58)and attended more than 4ANC(aOR: 1.36, 95% CI: 1.11-1.67) were associated with a higher odds of undergoing caesarean section compared to their respective counterparts. However, living in rural areas (aOR: 0.74, 95% CI:0.58- 0.94), being multiparous women with 2-4 births (aOR: 0.67, 95% CI: 0.53-0.84) and 5 and more births (aOR: 0.44, 95% CI: 0.32-0.60) were associated with lower odds of caesarean section. Conclusion The overall prevalence of caesarean section among women of reproductive age in Tanzania was 10.4%. The highest educational level, husband/partner's education level, household wealth quintile, type of residence, employment status, increased ANC number, and high parity were associated with caesarean section. There is an urgent need for continued efforts to ensure universal access to essential critical care services for all populations, thereby preventing premature maternal and infant mortality.