Demographic and Health Surveys: caesarean section rates in sub-Saharan Africa

Link to Document:
ja-03-31

Author(s): Buekens P, Curtis S, Alayon S

Year: 2003

Abstract:
Study authors analysed Demographic and Health Surveys performed at two different times in eight sub-Saharan African countries--Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya, Madagascar, Niger, Tanzania, and Zambia. Authors calcullated caesarean section rates for singleton live births according to residence (rural or urban) for mothers, as well as the proportion delivered in health facilities. Cesarean section rates were lower than 5% in all countries except Kenya, and rates were lower than 2% in Burkina Faso, Madagascar, Niger and Zambia. Data analysis show that access to caesarean section is not improving in sub-Saharan Africa and that it might be worsening.