Factors Associated with Cesarean Section in Preterm Births at a Tertiary Hospital in Rasht, Iran

Background: Cesarean section (C-section) is increasing globally. Many studies have investigated factors associated with C-sections, but predictors of C-sections in preterm birth are not well documented. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate Factors associated with C-sections in preterm births at a Tertiary hospital in Rasht, Iran. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted on all neonates born between 2017 and 2022. The data were collected from the medical records. Descriptive statistics, chi-square, and Fisher's exact test were performed. Multiple logistic regression was applied to identify factors associated with C-section. Results: The sample community included 1145 preterm neonates. Factors associated with C-section in preterm births included the mother's age (P < 0.001, OR = 1.06), gestational age (P < 0.001, OR = 1.24), neonate's weight (P = 0.042, OR = 0.62), infertility history, (P = 0.043, OR = 1.58), abortion history (P = 0.006, OR = 1.88), and iatrogenic preterm birth (P < 0.001, OR = 4.99). Conclusions: Clinicians and policymakers should give special attention to these factors for C-sections in preterm births, especially iatrogenic preterm birth.