Publication:

A study comparing the caesarean section rates in various groups of Robson classification in a tertiary care hospital and its comparison with the predicted rate by the World Health Organisation C-model

Background The incidence of cesarean section is increasing worldwide. The World Health Organisation (WHO) C-section model can be used to predict the incidence of cesarean section. The purpose of this study is to determine the incidence of cesarean section across various Robson groups and compare it with the WHO C-section model.

Methods 683 women who delivered after 22 weeks of gestation were studied. WHO C Model predicted caesarean rates were studied in various Robsons group. The observed caesarean section rates in various groups were compared with the predicted caesarean section rates in various Robsons groups.

Results We found high rates of caesarean section among various Robsons groups when compared with the predicted WHO C-model. Fetal distress and caesarean sections on maternal request were the commonest cause of caesarean section in our study.

Conclusions We observed higher rates of section in our study when compared with the predicted WHO C model. Adhering to strict labour ward protocols and the use of sensitive methods of fetal monitoring, like fetal scalp pH, may reduce the number of sections.