Bulletin of the World Health Organization

Practice audits to reduce caesareans in a tertiary referral hospital in south-western China

Ma Runmei, Lao Terence T, Sun Yonghu, Xiao Hong, Tian Yuqin, Li Bailuan, Yang Minghui, Yang Weihong, Liang Kun, Liang Guohua, Li Hongyu, Geng Li, Ni Renmin, Qi Wenjin, Chen Zhuo, Du Mingyu, Zhu Bei, Xu Jing, Tao Yanping, Zhang Lan, Song Xianyan, Qu Zaiqing, Sun Qian, Yi Xiaoyun, Yu Jihui & Zhang Dandan

Volume 90, Number 7, July 2012, 488-494

Table 2. Annual rates of caesarean and vaginal delivery in a tertiary referral hospital in Kunming, Yunnan province, China, 2001–2011

Year Total births Type of delivery, No. (%)
 2001–2004 vs 2005–2011
Caesarean Vaginal Difference Correlation
2001 1 338 732 (55) 606 (45) P = 0.683a P = 0.59b
2002 1 304 698 (54) 606 (47)
2003 883 495 (56) 388 (44)
2004 1 574 868 (55) 706 (45)
2005 2 015 855 (42) 1 160 (58) P < 0.00c P = 0.00d
2006 2 392 956 (40) 1 436 (60)
2007 3 140 1 242 (40) 1 898 (60)
2008 3 093 1 262 (41) 1 831 (59)
2009 2 972 1 304 (44) 1 668 (56)
2010 3 075 1 243 (40) 1 832 (60)
2011 3 494 1 261 (36) 2 233 (64)
Total 25 280 10 916 (43) 14 364 (57)
Difference P < 0.00e
Correlation P < 0.00f

a In 2001–2004, the difference in annual caesarean delivery rates between successive years was not significant.

b In 2001–2004, the annual caesarean delivery rate did not correlate with advancing years.

c In 2005–2011, the difference in annual caesarean delivery rates between successive years was statistically significant.

d In 2005–2011, the annual caesarean delivery rate showed a significant inverse correlation with advancing years.

e Overall in 2001–2011, the difference in annual caesarean delivery rates between successive years was significant.

f Overall in 2001–2011, the annual caesarean delivery rate showed a significant inverse correlation with advancing years.