Usefulness of Robson classification system to analyze caesarean section deliveries: a hospital based study

Abstract

Introduction: World Health Organization recommends using the Ten-group Robson classification as a standard for assessing and reducing caesarean section (CS) rates. Our study aimed at analyzing CS deliveries using this system with the primary objective of examining the driving factors of increased risk for caesarean delivery. Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted in Mongar Regional Referral Hospital from 1st January 2016 to 31st December, 2018 recruiting all institutional deliveries and classifying each of them into 10 groups of Robson classification system based on six obstetric variables. Results: There were 2337 deliveries, of which 804 were CS, contributing to a rate of 34.4%. More than three fourth (78.9%) of caesarean deliveries occurred in Groups 5, 4, 2 and 1. Previous CS was the highest contributor of CS rate and the most common indication. Conclusion: Higher CS rate has been observed in our referral hospital, contributed largely by women with previous CS, induced labour and pre-labour CS. There is a need for implementation of Robson classification system in all tertiary hospitals.