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[Frequency of cesarean sections in Austria]
1Geburtshilflich-Gynäkologische Abteilung, Hanusch-Krankenhaus, Wien, Osterreich.
Gynakologisch-Geburtshilfliche Rundschau
|April 28, 2001
Summary
Cesarean section rates in Austria are rising significantly, increasing from 13.08% in 1996 to 14.55% in 1998. This trend affects premature births and those with low birth weight most significantly.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Public Health
- Perinatal Medicine
Background:
- Limited data exists on cesarean section (CS) frequency in Austria, unlike many European countries.
- Previous reports were often limited to single-center data, hindering national-level analysis.
- This study addresses the need for comprehensive Austrian CS data.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the current frequency of cesarean sections in Austria.
- To analyze trends in CS rates over a defined period.
- To identify factors influencing CS rates, including gestational age, birth weight, and parity.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of all births in Austria from 1996 to 1998 (totaling 255,184 births).
- Statistical evaluation using the chi-square test.
- Examination of CS rates in relation to gestational age, birth weight, and number of previous pregnancies.
Main Results:
- The overall CS rate increased significantly from 13.08% in 1996 to 14.55% in 1998 (p=0.0001).
- Cesarean section was performed in 47% of premature births (≤35 weeks gestation), compared to 13.24% for births after 35 weeks.
- Over half of pregnancies with infants weighing <2,000g were delivered via CS, even after 35 weeks gestation. Primigravidae had a 17% CS rate in 1998.
Conclusions:
- Cesarean section frequency is continuously increasing in Austria, mirroring international trends.
- The study provides a crucial baseline for international comparisons of CS rates.
- Findings can inform intradepartmental quality control measures and clinical practice guidelines.