Rural-urban disparities and socioeconomic determinants of caesarean delivery rates in Zimbabwe: Evidence from the 2019 National Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey.
S Afr Med J
; 114(7): e1882, 2024 Jul 01.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-39041517
ABSTRACT
Caesarean sections (CSs) have increased globally, with concerns being raised involving overutilisation and inequalities in access. In Zimbabwe, where healthcare access varies greatly, we aimed to analyse factors associated with ever having a CS using the 2019 National Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey. The weighted national CS rate was 10.3%, and CS happened more commonly among women in urban than rural areas (15.7% v. 7.4%; odds ratio (OR) 2.34; (95% confidence interval (CI)) 1.71 - 3.20; p=0.001). Percentages of those having a CS significantly increased with education overall χ2 for a trend of p=0.001 and wealth quintile, and overall χ2 for a trend of p=0.001. Women with insurance coverage were more likely to have had a CS than those without 26.7% v. 8.7%; OR 3.82; 95% CI 2.51 - 5.83; p=0.001. The same was the case for women with access to the internet 15.4% v. 7.0%, OR 2.42; 95%CI 1.71 - 3.41; p=0.001). These findings show an association that could indicate this being overutilised by insured women in urban settings, rather than being accessible based on clinical needs. Further research should explore reasons for these disparities and inform interventions to ensure equitable access to optimum childbirth in Zimbabwe.
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Rural Population
/
Socioeconomic Factors
/
Urban Population
/
Cesarean Section
/
Healthcare Disparities
/
Health Services Accessibility
Limits:
Adolescent
/
Adult
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Pregnancy
Country/Region as subject:
Africa
Language:
En
Journal:
S Afr Med J
Year:
2024
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Zimbabwe