A cross sectional analytic study of modes of delivery and caesarean section rates in a private health insured South African population

Abstract

Background Monitoring Caesarean Section (CS) rates is essential to ensure optimal use of the procedure. Information on CS rates in the South African private sector is limited and information from this study will assist in planning for the proposed NHI in South Africa. Objectives The objectives of this paper are to assess mode of delivery patterns and to determine CS rates amongst South African private health insurance scheme members; and to assess the extent to which CS rates are influenced by age and health status of the mother. Methods The 2015 claims for members of 10 health insurance schemes were analysed to assess delivery type patterns. Mode of delivery patterns were assessed by 6 delivery types: emergency, elective and “other” for caesarean deliveries; and non-assisted, assisted and “other” for vaginal deliveries; as well as by age and health condition of the mother. Results Of a total of 6,542 births analysed, 4,815 were CS giving a CS rate of 736% (95% CI 725%;747%). Emergency CS were the most common mode of delivery (397%), followed by elective CS (395%). CS rates increased with increasing maternal age and were higher for women with a medical condition. Conclusions CS rates for the South African private sector are considerably higher than the safe rates recommended by the WHO. The high CS rates is a cause for concern for the health system under the proposed NHI. To support initiatives encouraging evidence based practice, further research is required to understand the drivers for the high CS rates.