A cut above: the rising Caesarean section rate in New Zealand.
OBJECTIVE
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.
Bulger
T
T
Department of Public Health, Wellington School of Medicine.
Howden-Chapman
P
P
Stone
P
P
D002585:Cesarean Section / Q000706:statistics & numerical data* / Q000639:trends; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009520:New Zealand; D011247:Pregnancy