Factors Associated with the Type of Cesarean Section and the Risk of Postoperative Complications in Greek Women

Abstract Background Cesarean Section was historically performed to save the lives of mothers and infants. Ηowever, in the past decades, a significant increase in Cesarean Section rates have been observed in Greece and worldwide. The purpose of this research was to investigate the contributing factors to the increase in the Cesarean Section rate (emergency and elective) and postoperative complications.Methods A total of births in 6 months (August 2019- February 2020) at the University Hospital of Larisa in Greece was collected. The performed analysis included the available socio-demographic and medical information in the medical records and a socio-demographic and medical questionnaire for women with cesarean deliveries. We also analyzed the importance of the variables in cesarean deliveries compared to vaginal deliveries and postoperative complications.Results Out of the total number of the included 633 births, the vaginal delivery rate was 42% (n = 268), and the cesarean delivery rate was 58% (n = 365); Elective Cesarean Section was performed in 36% (n = 230) of the Cesarean Section cases and Emergency Cesarean Section in 22% (n = 135). Women with a previous Cesarean Section and women with in vitro fertilization showed higher percentages for Elective Cesarean Section (46%) compared to women who underwent an Emergency Cesarean Section for the same reasons (42.2%). Besides, a higher percentage of Emergency Cesarean Sections was observed in women living in urban centers (OR = 4.044, p = 0.002) and those diagnosed with stress disorders (OR = 7.048, p = 0.004). Furthermore, Cesarean Section complications were more common among women having undergone Emergency Cesarean Section (OR = 10.357, p < 0.001).Conclusion The overall high rates of Cesarean Section in Greece demonstrate the lack of national strategies and prevention mechanisms from iatrogenic interventions and lack of promoting good midwifery practices. More specifically, a decrease in iatrogenic factors leading to the primary Cesarean Section will decrease Cesarean Section rates in Greece.