National survey on midwifery practice in health facilities in China
Wang, B.; Shi, Q.; Wang, Y.; Li, N.; Shi, L.
Zhonghua Fu Chan Ke Za Zhi 42(5): 305-308
2007
ISSN/ISBN: 0529-567X PMID: 17673041 Document Number: 610323
To understand the use of midwifery practice in health facilities and get the baseline data for future action. A national survey was conducted in 2003. Questionnaires were sent to 887 sampled health facilities in 31 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities. Midwifery practice data in year 2002 were collected and a descriptive study was done based on the data. The average proportion of cesarean section was 38.0%. The proportion of episiotomy per 100 vaginal deliveries was 44.9%. The percentage of births delivered by vacuum extraction was 3.6% and the percentage was 1.9% by forceps. The percentages of use of breech extraction and of internal version to vaginal delivery were 1.4% and 0.2%, respectively. The appropriate use of midwifery practice is not fully guaranteed, thus national regulations should be made to standardize midwifery practice in health facilities imminently.