Cesarean section in sub-Saharan Africa. Issue 1 (December 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Harrison, Margo; Goldenberg, Robert
• Is Part Of: Maternal health, neonatology and perinatology. Volume 2:Issue 1(2016)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 10
• Publication Date: 2016-12
• Subjects: Cesarean section -- Low- and middle-income countries -- Trial of labor after cesarean section -- Vaginal birth after cesarean section -- Epidemiology -- Sub-Saharan Africa; Maternal health services -- Periodicals; Neonatology -- Periodicals; Perinatology -- Periodicals; 618.2
• DOI: 10.1186/s40748-016-0033-x
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2054-958X

Abstract

Abstract Cesarean section is an essential maternal healthcare service. Its role in labor and delivery care in low- and middle-income countries is complex; in many low-resource settings it is underutilized in the most needy of populations and overused by the less needy, without clear methods to ensure that universal access is available. Additionally, even if universal access were available, it is not evident that these countries would have the capacity or the finances to appropriate meet demand for the procedure, or that patients would want to utilize the care. This review summarizes the literature and illustrates the complicated relationship that cesarean section, which is rapidly on the rise around the world, has with individuals, communities, and nations in sub-Saharan Africa.