INCIDENCE AND PRIMARY CESAREAN RISK-FACTO RS IN BENIN (AFRICA)

Among 3225 deliveries in two Cotonou public maternity units, 244 prima ry cesarean section were observed during July 1988 to December 1989. P rimary cesarean section incidence varied according to indications, mat ernal parity and maternity care units. Foetal distress (65.9 %), malpr esentation and cephalopelvic disproportion (22.1 %) were the dominant organic risk factors for the primary cesarean section. Multivariate st epwise logistic regression technique indicated that the most important indications for the practice in Cotonou were mainly organic risk fact ors, maternal height and parity as well as repeating stillborn history . Practician experiences (OR = 6.6) and foetal distress (OR = 9.3) in the decision making process were highly associated to cesarean section and differed between maternity units. Authors provided some suggestio n for improving the practice of cesarean section in Cotonou and in Ben in.