Determinants of Successful Vaginal Birth After Caesarean Section at Public Hospitals in Ambo Town, Oromia Region, Central Ethiopia: A Case-Control Study

BACKGROUND: The World Health Organization recommends a caesarean section (CS) rate at health facilities from 10 to 15%, but the rate is higher at most of the institutions in different countries, including Ethiopia resulting in negative health-related and economic consequences. Vaginal birth after caesarean section (VBAC) is a safe and appropriate choice to decrease the rate of CS. Though the success rate is 60–80%, the number of mothers who experience the trial of labor is decreasing and the overall CS rate is rising. There is also limited information on determinants of successful VBAC in Ethiopia. Therefore, the study aimed to identify determinants of successful VBAC at public hospitals in Ambo town. METHODS: A Facility-based retrospective unmatched case-control study was employed at public hospitals in Ambo town, Ethiopia, from June 1 to July 1, 2020. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select cases (n=74) and controls (n=221). The data were collected using a structured questionnaire and it was filled IN by reviewing the client’s medical record. The data were entered into Epi Info and exported to SPSS for analysis. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis was carried out for data analysis. Finally, statistical significance was determined based on the odds ratio with its 95% confidence interval and a p-value of <0.05. RESULTS: Mothers whose age was less than 25 years and 25–29 years (AOR: 8.88; 95% CI 3.03, 26.03) and (AOR: 5.37; 95% CI 2.28, 12.66), respectively, mothers who had a history of previous successful VBAC (AOR: 3.01; 95% CI 1.47, 6.13), had a history of previous spontaneous vaginal delivery (AOR: 3.85; 95% CI 1.84, 8.05) and cervical dilation ≥4cm at admission (AOR: 2.05: 95% CI 1.14, 3.67) were independent determinants of successful VBAC. CONCLUSION: The study identified that past and present obstetric conditions played a significant role in the success of VBAC. Therefore, health workers have to consider those predictors while counselling and choosing mothers for trial of labor after caesarean section (TOLAC).