Cesarean section in Kuwait, 1983 through 1988.

Examination of the cesarean section (CS) rate at the Ministry of Public Health hospitals in Kuwait during 1983 through 1988 revealed a rate of 9.36% and showed no significant trend. The rates in the individual 4 hospitals differed significantly. A significant weak positive correlation between the CS rate and instrumental delivery rates was found. No significant correlation was found between the CS rate and perinatal mortality rate, but a weak positive correlation was found between the CS rate and neonatal mortality rates. Based on the existing health information system in Kuwait, it was not possible to determine whether variations in CS rates were secondary to differences in the risk status of the population subgroups, or were related to physicians' practice style which offers a potential for reduction of the higher rates. Deficiencies identified in the existing health information system included unavailability of information about parity, indications of CS, and whether the procedure was a primary or repeat one. Recommendations to rectify these deficiencies were suggested.