[ frequency of episiotomy and its related factors]

ABSTRACT

Despite routine episiotomy is questioned in specialized midwifery books for more than a decade, this method is still routinely performed in Iran. In addition to increasing health care costs it will increase the workload of nursing and midwifery. This study was done with the aim of determining the frequency of episiotomy and its related factors in a labor ward in Sari city. It was a descriptive cross-sectional study. The sample [n=915], women referred to Labor ward of Emam Khomeini hospital of Sari city in Iran were recruited by census during 2007. Data was collected using an information sheet including three parts of demographic characteristics of women, obstetrical characteristics and probable related factors of episiotomy, and the type of delivery [with or without episiotomy]. Data was analyzed by descriptive statistics, X[2] and Mantel-Haenszel tests using SPSS-PC [v.16]. Episiotomy was performed in 812 cases [88.7%]. There was a significant relationship between episiotomy and maternal age [P=0.023], Parity [P=0.01], the first minute APGAR score [P=0.003], fifth minute APGAR score [P=0.000], and birth weight [P=0.000]. There was no relationship between prolonged second stage, use of forceps and vacuum, neonatal head circumference, maternal literacy and residency. Regarding the routine use of episiotomy in some labor wards, and in order to physiologic management of labor and creating a good experience for mothers, it is suggested that episiotomy only be performed on the basis of indication. It will also reduce mortality, complications, and the health care costs and also nurses' and midwives' workload