Maternal health outcomes and associated factors among women who delivered by cesarean section in Public Hospitals of Gamo, Gofa and South Omo zones, Southern Ethiopia: a cross sectional study

Abstract Background Cesarean section is the most common major surgical procedure in obstetrics and gynecology in the world. Though advance in cesarean section technique, it still poses higher maternal morbidity and mortality than vaginal delivery. Maternal outcomes consist of information regarding hemorrhage, infections, hysterectomy, uterine rupture, and pronged hospital stay. Thus, The aim of this study was to assess the maternal health outcomes and associated factors among women who delivered by Cesarean Section in public hospitals of Gamo, Gofa and South Omo Zones Southern Ethiopia. Methods and materials: An institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted among 354 women who delivered by cesarean section from March 1 to April 30/2022 at public Hospitals of Gamo, Gofa and South Omo Zones. Participants were selected by simple random sampling method; interview and chart review were used to collect data. Data was collected by Open Data Kit (ODK) and exported in to SPSS Software version 25 for analysis. Both bivariate and multivariable logistic regressions analysis was used to analyze the data. Finally, p-value < 0.05 was used to decree statistically significant association Results Overall, 19.5%, 95% CI (15.67% – 23.97%) of participants were ended up with poor maternal outcome in this study. A hematocrit value of < 30% (AOR = 3.17; 95% CI: 1.28, 7.86), referral status AOR = 3.00; 95% CI: 1.36, 6.62), presence of medical illness (AOR = 2.87; 95% CI: 1.20, 6.79), delivered in primary hospitals (AOR = 5.11; 95% CI: 2.28, 11.47), no ANC follow up (AOR = 4.04; 95% CI: 1.42, 11.46)and operated under general anesthesia (AOR = 5.16; 95% CI: 2.03, 12.06) were significantly associated with poor maternal health outcomes. Conclusion and recommendation: Magnitude of poor maternal outcome following cesarean section at the study area was high. Applying blood-controlling techniques during and after cesarean birth, as well as adequate non-communicable disease screening, early diagnosis, and management during ANC will improve the outcome for the maternal health.