Caesarean Section Rates in Thai Health Region 3 During 1993-1997

Abstract

Objective To study caesarean section rates in Thai health region 3.

Method The data of total deliveries, caesarean sections, indications of caesarean sections, complications of caesarean sections, matemal mortality, perinatal mortality, were collected from every hospitals in Thai health region 3.

Results Caesarean section rates had increased steadily during the period of 1993-1997. In 1997, the caesarean section rates in regional hospitals, general hospitals, district hospitals and private hospitals were 27.47%, 21.77%, 8.49% and 67.76% respectively. 68% of total caesarean sections in regional hospitals were private cases whereas primary caesarean section accounts for 75%. Repeat caesarean section in previous cases were 100%.

Conclusion During this 5 year period, caesarean section rates have risen steadily from 15.03% to 19.24 % of total deliveries. Two out of three pregnancies in private hospitals were operated caesarean section. Two - third of the caesarean section cases in public regional hospital were private cases and three-forth of the cases were primary caesarean section. When a caesarean section was done, the following deliveries for the same patient would always be caesarean. Most of the indications of caesarean sections were cephalopelvic disproportion, previous caesarean section, breech presentation, fetal distress, pregnancy induced hypertension and antepartum hemorrhage.