Frequency of cesarean sections in Austria (1996-1998)

Objective: While there exist detailed reports on the frequency of cesarean sections in many European countries, there are only selective data of singl e centers available in Austria. Thus this study aims at evaluating the pres ent frequency of cesarean sections in Austria. Methods: To achieve this aim , we analyzed all births during the years 1996 (n=89,208), 1997 (n=84,408) and 1998 (n=81,568). Along with the general mean rate of sections, we also describe the influences of the duration of pregnancy, of the birth weight, and of the number of paturitions. The data were statistically evaluated by chi-square test. Results: During the study period, the frequence of section s rose from 13.08% (1996) to 14.0% (1997) and to 14.55% (1998). This rise p roved to be statistically significant (p = 0.0001). 47% of premature births (less than or equal to 35th week of gestation) are delivered by cesarean s ection. This rate drops to only 13.24% after the 35th week of gestation. Ye t, more than half of pregnancies with dystrophic children (<2,000 g) are de livered by cesarean section even after the 35th week of gestation. Primigra vidae have to expect section in 17% of the cases (1998); the section rate d iminishes continuously, however, with increasing number of pregnancies. Con clusions: Following the general trend, the frequency of cesarean sections i s continuously rising in Austria too. The present study can serve as a basi s for international comparisons as well as for measures of intradepartmenta l quality control. Copyright (C) 2001 S. Karger AG. Basel.