Child and Maternal Mortality
in Islamic Countries
33
2.4.3. Differentials in utilization of cesarean section deliveries in OIC countries
Cesarean section is a critical intervention for reducing maternal and neonatal mortality from
obstructed labor and eclampsia and for reducing perinatal mortality from fetal distress.
Caesarean section rates between 10-15% are considered as ideal and studies suggest that a
higher rate may not reduce further maternal or neonatal mortality rate. 35-37 The UN Process
indicators for emergency obstetric care and recommends a minimum of 5% and maximum of
15% c-section at a population level.38 However, with the increase of facility delivery, a rising
trend of c-section deliveries in developing countries emerges. In many LMIC countries, c-section
rate is much higher than the recommended level of 15%. Although c-section saves lives, there
are significant complication risks to women (iatrogenic obstetric fistula, infection, injury and
death) associated with the surgical procedure.
The percent distribution of women who received c-section during their last delivery and the
disparity of the rates by socioeconomic status (wealth quintile) and education level of women
in selected OIC countries are shown in Figure (2.15).
In rate of c-section was more than 40% in Albania, Egypt, Turkey. In all sub-Saharan African OIC
countries, the c-section rate was low. Most countries show large inequity in c-section by
economic and educational status. Almost in all countries, the c-section rate was much less than
the minimum recommended rate of 5% among the poorest segment of women and among
women with no formal education. Except Azerbaijan and Jordan, the c-section rate was
substantially higher among urban women in all countries (Figure 2.16).