TITLE:
Caesarean Section at the Order of Malta Hospital, Djougou, Benin: Indications, Operative Modalities, Maternal-Fetal Outcome and Factors Associated with Maternal Complications in 2022
AUTHORS:
Bénédicte Ingrid Olowo, Aurelle Yèyinou Ahouingnan, Fanny M. N. Hounkponou, Roger Klkpézo, Mahugbé Emandi Samuëla Obède Gbaguidi, Moufalilou Aboubakar, Christiane Tshabu-Aguèmon, Angéline Tonato-Bagnan
KEYWORDS:
Caesarean Section, Indications, Neonatal Outcome, Benin
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology,
Vol.16 No.10,
October
26,
2026
ABSTRACT: Introduction: The safety of caesarean section in sub-Saharan Africa depends on the appropriateness of its indications and the quality of its performance. The aim was to describe its indications and maternal-fetal outcomes. Study method: A cross-sectional descriptive and analytical study with retrospective data collection was carried out at the maternity unit of the Order of Malta Hospital, Djougou, from 1 January to 30 June 2022. The analysis covered the 649 women who delivered by caesarean section and their 685 newborns. Occurrence of a maternal complication was the dependent variable of the analytical component. Data were collected on KoboCollect and analysed with R version 3.6.0 at the 5% level. Results: Caesarean section was performed as an emergency in 76.73% of cases, under spinal anaesthesia in 87.37% and through a Joel Cohen incision in 57.16%. The three leading indications were acute fetal distress (30.66%), scarred uterus (22.19%) and gestational hypertension (15.25%). A maternal complication occurred in 9.85% of women, dominated by anaemia, and six maternal deaths were recorded (0.92%). Among the 685 newborns, 28.61% had a first-minute Apgar score below seven and 31.97% weighed less than 2 500 grams; neonatal mortality reached 18.54% and stillbirth 2.19%. Previous hypertension was the only factor associated with maternal complications (OR 2.44; 95% CI: 1.35 to 4.43). Conclusion: Maternal morbidity remains contained but neonatal outcome is poor. Fetal distress and scarred uterus dominate the indications.