Towards optimizing Caesarean section: The challenges of concurrent underuse, unsafe use and overuse in developing countries.

Makinde OI1*, Oriji PC1, Osegi N1
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria.
*Correspondence: Dr. Olakunle I. Makinde; +234 803 213 6315; olakunleife@gmail.com

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Abstract

Caesarean section is a lifesaving procedure but not without risks. While the developed countries are currently bothered by the rising Caesarean section rates and the feared consequences of repeat Caesarean section on the woman, developing countries are all faced with challenges of ensuring adequate access to safe Caesarean section. Inequalities also exist in the access to Caesarean section within developing countries where adequate access and overuse, especially among the population above low social class and in the urban settings coexists with lack of access and underuse among the poorest of the population usually in rural areas. Too little, too late access to Caesarean section is associated with unsafe Caesarean section procedures. Where access to Caesarean section is below the recommended threshold, maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality is high. Authors reviewed relevant literatures on the current state of knowledge on underuse, unsafe use and overuse of Caesarean section with a focus on developing countries.

Keywords: Caesarean section rate, Indications for Caesarean section, Underuse, Unsafe use, Overuse, Developing countries

Cite this article: Makinde OI, Oriji PC, Osegi N. Towards optimizing Caesarean section: The challenges of concurrent underuse, unsafe use and overuse in developing countries.Yen Med J. 2020; 2(1):157-170.

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