The purpose of this paper is to quantify the cesarean section rates (CSR) in Mexican public health institutions in recent years; to determine its increase during the last decade; to estimate the possible economic cost caused by the excess of cesareans performed in these institutions; and, to identify the sociogeographic variations of CSR in Mexico. The study is based on data obtained from the Health Sector for Mexico in the period 1990-1999. Linear regression analysis was used to evaluate time series, and as "excess of cesareans" was considered the number of cesarean deliveries performed above the admissible 15% CSR. Furthermore, CSR were calculated by states and through a multiple linear regression (stepwise model) the sociodemographic variables that best explain the geographic variations of CSR were identified. On the national level, more than a quarter of the deliveries handled by public institutions ends in cesarean section for each analyzed year and if the deliveries performed in private institutions are included in, the national rate is around 30%; a marked increase in CSR can be observed between 1993 and 1998; and the cost for the nation of this CSR excess in financial terms is highly significant. Moreover, the states where the female population has the highest schooling, or where there proportionally are more obstetricians, present the highest CSR. The findings suggest that the increase of CSR is a public health problem that in Mexico have generally had only a clinical and not an epidemiological approach.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participantwill be able to: 1.Recognize the current situation of cesarean section rate in Mexican public health institutions. 2.Analize the notorious increase of cesarean section rate in the last decade. 3.Identify the geographic variations of cesarean section rate in Mexico. 4.Discuss the high economic impact that the excess of cesareans has for the health sector and the national economy
Keywords: International MCH, Pregnancy Outcomes
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.