Nonclinical predictors of caesarean section: a path analytic approach

The objective of this study was to explore nonclinical predictors of cesarean sections (CS) and how they interact with each other, specifically in Turkey. Data was gathered from official statistical records for the year 2017 from the 81 different provinces throughout Turkey. A path analytic model was constructed to examine the interrelationships between socioeconomic factors, utilization of health services, patient satisfaction, and number of CS procedures. The overall performance of the final path model was quite good (GFI = 0.98, AGFI = 0.93, and CFI = 0.96). The study results emphasize the substantial impact of an increase in the number of hospital admissions on the increase in the rate of CS procedures (PC = 0.70). Additionally, the increase in the number of hospital admissions mediates the interrelationship between geographic region, high education, and CS. The findings demonstrate the significant interrelationships among the several major nonclinical predictors of CS in Turkey.Impact Statement