Health system drivers of caesarean deliveries in south Asia: a scoping review.

ABSTRACT: Caesarean section (CS) rates are rising across south Asia, often without medical indication, posing significant public health concerns. This Review applied a framework-guided evidence synthesis using a scoping review approach, structured by the Socio-Ecological Model (SEM), to examine health system drivers of CS. Seventy-five studies were included, mainly from India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. At the individual level, maternal education, socioeconomic status, and birth order influenced CS use. Community-level drivers included family preferences and media exposure. At the provider level, decision-making was shaped by financial incentives, medico-legal concerns, and scheduling convenience. Other system-level drivers, such as private sector dominance, limited regulation, and insurance coverage

SUBMITTER: Veparala AS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12531015 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature