Religion, ethnicity and selection of Caesarean section in Fars province of Iran

Shafieh Ghodrati, Hakim Sabzevari University
Afshan Javadi, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences
Aliyar Ahmadi, Shiraz University

Over the last decades, the rate of caesarean section delivery has steadily increased in most countries, including Iran and this has made concerns for health policy makers. Caesarean section has higher risk of maternal death compared with normal vaginal delivery. This study aims to investigate the determinants of selecting cesarean section for Sunni and Shia religious groups, Turk, Lur, Arab and Fars ethnic groups of Fars province south of Iran, 2015. This cross-sectional study was conducted in rural areas of Fars province. The sample of study includes 1535 married women (Sunni-Persians (204), Shia-Persians (485), Shia-Turks (217), Shia- Lurs (194), Shia- Arabs (200), and nomads (235)). The subjects were selected by classified cluster sampling. Interviews were carried out in order to obtain demographic data, fertility history and ideals of childbearing. Data processing was performed using Descriptive statistics, and inferential statistics including Correlation and One-Way ANOVA. The results indicate that the mean age of women in Sunni and Shia groups, is 32.7 and 32.9 respectively. The mean age of women from different ethnic groups of Lur, Arab and Turk is 32.4, 31.5 and 33.9 respectively. The highest mean age at marriage is in nomadic context (21.3±4.7), almost similar to Lurs and Turks (21.2±4.5). The results of study indicates that the rate of Caesarean Section is significantly different among different ethnic and religious groups (P-value <0.001). In terms of rural and nomadic state of residence is also the difference significant (P-value <0.001). The education indicates a significant relationship with the rate of Caesarean, in a way that the more the level of education, the higher the rate of caesarean delivery. Conclusion As the education plays a paradoxical role in terms of delivery selection, new educational programs is needed to help couples understand the negative consequences of caesarean.