TEMPORAL TRENDS AND DETERMINANTS OF CESAREAN BIRTH AMONG TURKISH AND FOREIGN-NATIONAL WOMEN: A RETROSPECTIVE COHORT STUDY
Abstract
ABSTRACT Objective: To examine the change in cesarean delivery rates in Turkish national and foreign pregnant women over time, to determine the factors associated with cesarean section and to evaluate the effect of COVID-19 period. Method: A retrospective cohort study examined 2017 singular births in a health care provider between 2023 and 23,127 years. Due to missing calendar year data, the years 2017 and 2023 were not included in the time trend analysis; the analyses were conducted over 2018–2022 period, with 21,946 births. Categorical variables ki-square, continuous variables compared with independent sample t-test. The factors associated with cesarean delivery were evaluated by binary logistic regression. The models included nationality, maternal age, hemoglobin level, gravida, parity, year of birth and COVID-19 period. Results: Caesarean sections were found at 2018’ at 44.5%, 2019’ at 45.1%, 2020’ at 43.5%, 2021’ at 48.0% and 2022’ at 47.1%. The difference between the years was significant (p<0.001), and the likelihood of caesarean section increased over the years (OR=1.03; 95% GA: 1.01–1.05). Women with foreign nationality were less likely to have cesarean section (aOR=0.71; 95% GA: 0.66–0.75). Maternal age and increased gravida were associated with higher hemoglobin levels and increased parity were associated with lower possibility of cesarean section. Cesarean section increased in the post-COVID period (aOR=1.17; 95% GA: 1.10–1.24). Nationality × years and nationality × COVID period interactions found meaningful. The probability of low caesarean section in foreign women was significant during the period 2019–2021, while it decreased by 2022’. Conclusion: Caesarean sections were high and increased over time. Although cesarean section is less likely in foreign women, this difference has changed according to the years. It is recommended t
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References
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Details
Primary Language
English
Subjects
Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Public Health (Other)
Journal Section
Research Article
Authors
Meral Kurt Durmuş
0000-0002-6159-5488
Türkiye
Publication Date
September 30, 2026
Submission Date
June 21, 2026
Acceptance Date
August 19, 2026
Published in Issue
Year 2026 Volume: 12 Number: 3