Predictors of prolonged decision-to-delivery interval in emergency caesarean section in Northern Uganda: a historical cohort study

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Delays in decision-to-delivery interval (DDI) during emergency caesarean section (CS) may increase the risk of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. Evidence on health-system and provider-related factors influencing DDI in low-resource settings remains limited. We examined whether surgeon cadre, operating theatre location, and the presence of intern healthcare professionals were associated with prolonged DDI in a tertiary hospital in Northern Uganda. METHODS: We conducted a historical cohort study at St. Mary's Hospital Lacor, a tertiary hospital in Northern Uganda, involving women who underwent emergency CS (6 September 2022 to 1 June 2024). Logistic regression was used to examine the association between prolonged DDI (≥60 minutes) and surgeon cadre, operating theatre location, and intern presence, adjusting for confounders. Effect modification by emergency CS indication was assessed. RESULTS: Of the 760 participants enrolled (median DDI was 51 minutes [IQR: 36-67]), 36.0% had prolonged DDI. Emergency CS performed by junior doctors had twice the odds of prolonged DDI compared to fully-licensed doctors (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 2.07; 95% CI: 1.38-3.10). Theatre location and presence of interns showed no association with prolonged DDI (aOR: 0.89; 95% CI: 0.61-1.28) and (aOR: 0.71; 95% CI: 0.50-1.02), respectively. There was no statistically significant evidence that these associations differed by the CS indication. CONCLUSIONS: Emergency CS performed by junior doctors was associated with increased odds of prolonged DDI compared with procedures performed by fully-licensed doctors. These findings highlight the importance of strengthening supervision, mentorship and emergency obstetric training for junior doctors in resource-limited settings. Operating theatre location and the presence of intern healthcare professionals were not significantly associated with prolonged DDI.