Results of Using the Robson Classification in Kazakhstan

BACKGROUND: Over the past few decades, the cesarean section frequency has increased significantly in many countries around the world, especially in the countries with high and medium income. The World Health Organization recommends 10–15% as the optimum cesarean section frequency. In Kazakhstan, the frequency of operative delivery in 2018 was 23.5%. AIM: The article is aimed at analyzing the caesarean section frequency following the Robson classification in Kazakhstan at Level II and III obstetric institutions, identifying the groups that make the greatest contribution to the overall cesarean section frequency, studying the clinical reasons in these groups, and identifying the ways to reduce unneeded cesarean sections. METHODS: A prospective study was performed at the Level II and III obstetric facilities in Almaty. On admission for delivery, all women were assigned following the Robson classification. The indices of cesarean section in each of 10 groups and the absolute and relative contribution to the overall cesarean section frequency were calculated. The patient data were prospectively entered into a computer application and processed in MS Excel and Statistica version 23. The results were presented using the Robson classification. The odds ratios were calculated with a confidence interval of 95%. RESULTS: For the period from January 1, 2019, to December 31, 2019, 12,395 women parturiated at Level II and III obstetric facilities. The main contributors to the overall cesarean section frequency at Level II and III obstetric facilities were Group 5 (multiparous women with uterine scars) – 46.3% (Level II facility) and 37.5% (Level III facility), Group 2 (12.4%) and (12.4%), Group 1 (12%) and (9.6%), and Group 10 (11.4%) at the Level III facility. CONCLUSION: The Robson classification has been used for the 1st time in Kazakhstan which has made it possible to identify the reasons that make the greatest contribution to the overall cesarean section frequency. The use of monitoring for analyzing the cesarean section frequency will make it possible to compare the Kazakhstan data with the foreign data and determine the organizational measures aimed at reducing the frequency of operative delivery. The strategies to reduce unneeded cesarean section should focus on reducing the cesarean section frequency in nulliparous women. In the absence of contraindications, natural delivery should be advised to the women with uterine scars.