Rates and indications of cesarean section using the robson classification in a university hospital in Southern Thailand 2014-2016

Abstract

Objective: To identify the rates and indications of cesarean section (CS) using the Robson classification during 2014-2016 in a university hospital in southern Thailand. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study of women who delivered between January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2016 was conducted. The data were analyzed using the Robson classification. Results: A total of 10,474 births were included in the analysis. The overall CS rate was 55.5%. The trends of CS rates in most Robson classification groups over the 3-year period were static. The CS rates in nulliparous or multiparous women with induction of labor decreased over the 3-year period, while the rate in multiparous women with fetal breech presentation increased. Women with previous cesarean section (Robson group 5) were the largest contributor to the overall CS rate (32.1%), followed by the nulliparous women with a single cephalic pregnancy, ≥37 weeks gestation in spontaneous labor (Robson group 1) (24.5%). Cephalopelvic disproportion and fetal distress were the most common indications for CS in Robson group 1. Conclusion: The CS rates in our study were high in all groups during the 3-year period, with static trends in most groups. The Robson classification is a feasible tool for monitoring CS rates in our setting. Feedback of these findings to healthcare providers and policy makers is advised.