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.