Overview and Aims:

Indiscriminate increasing number of caesarean section has raised interest worldwide and has been subject of countless discussion. The aim of this study was to analyze the caesarean section rate according to Robson classification and to identify associated factors in a referral hospital in Southern Brazil.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study.

Population:

Data from all births occurred in one-year-period carried out at a referral hospital in the southern Brazilian state of Santa Catarina.

Methods:

Gestational characteristics were categorized according to Robson classification criteria. The dependent variable was caesarean section rate and the clinical-obstetric characteristics were the independent variables. Adjusted models were obtained through Poisson Regression analysis.

Results:

The caesarean section rate was 35.5%. According to Robson classification, group 3 showed the highest occurrence. Among the groups with greatest impact in caesarean section rates, group 5 showed the highest proportion among all cesareans. Prevalence of statistically higher caesarean section rate was found in women aged 25 and 35 years and who had previously performed caesarean section. Statistically lower prevalence was found in women who had previous vaginal delivery, with spontaneous labor and those with induced labor.

Conclusion:

The highest caesarean section rate was observed in group 3 of Robson classification. Age and previous caesarean section were shown to be associated with the higher caesarean section rates.

        · abstract in Portuguese     · text in English     · English ( pdf )