Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Public Health 2251-6085 38 4 2009 12 15 97 102 K Karami M Najafian P Shahri S Faizi Z Noorifard 2015 10 03 Background: We investigated the rate of vaginal childbirth and Cesarean and its causes in maternity wards of Imam Khomeini Educational Hospital in Ahwaz the capital city of Khuzestan Province and Al- Hadi Hospital in Shoostar as a traditional city. Methods: In this comparative descriptive study data were obtained from medical records of birth deliveries in six months (March to September) in year 2007. Data were analyzed using SPSS software. Results: The results show a total rate of 29% Cesarean and 71% vaginal childbirth in hospitals. The rate of Cesarean in Imam and Al -Hadi Hospitals was 23% and 33%, respectively. The main cause of Cesarean in Imam and Al-Hadi Hospitals was failure of labor progression (35% and 33%, respectively). Most Cesarean s were occurred in an age range of 20-25 yr. Conclusion: Comparing with international acceptable rate (20-22%), Cesarean rate in both hospitals was high. It seems spe­cial attention should be made by persons, committees or organizations in charge of community health to child birth practices in both hospitals. https://ijph.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijph/article/view/3156 https://ijph.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijph/article/download/3156/2955