A cut above: the rising Caesarean section rate in New Zealand
Bulger, T.; Howden-Chapman, P.; Stone, P.
New Zealand Medical Journal 111(1059): 30-33
1998
ISSN/ISBN: 0028-8446 PMID: 9506669 Document Number: 492982
Aim. To examine the trends in frequency of Caesarean section in New Zealand. Methods. Caesarean section rates (CSR) were calculated from the National Minimum Data Set between 1988/89 and 1994/95. Demographic data relating to women having Caesarean sections were examined for 1994/95. The results were checked with regional health authorities and Crown health enterprises containing teaching hospitals. Results. The national CSR, which was 9.6% in 1983/84, increased from 11.6% in 1988/89 to 15.3% in 1994/95. Previous Caesarean and dystocia are reported to be the indicators for nearly half of all Caesareans. Conclusions. The national CSR is high and continues to increase. The international literature shows that national recommendations to reduce the CSR are less effective than hospital-based initiatives.