Indicator Metadata
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Name | Caesarean Section Rate |
Short/Other Names |
C-Section Rate |
Description | This indicator measures the crude rate of all Caesarean sections (C-sections) per 100 deliveries. For further details, please see the General Methodology Notes. |
Interpretation | Lower rates are desirable. |
HSP Framework Dimension |
Health System Outputs: Appropriate and effective |
Areas of Need |
Getting Better |
Geographic Coverage |
All provinces/territories |
Reporting Level/Disaggregation |
National, Province/Territory, Region |
Indicator Results |
Name | Caesarean Section Rate |
Short/Other Names |
C-Section Rate |
Description | This indicator measures the crude rate of all Caesarean sections (C-sections) per 100 deliveries. For further details, please see the General Methodology Notes. |
Calculation: Description | The indicator is expressed as the rate of C-sections per 100 deliveries. (Number of C-sections ÷ Number of deliveries) × 100 Unit of analysis: Single admission |
Calculation: Geographic Assignment |
Place of residence |
Calculation: Type of Measurement |
Rate - per 100 |
Calculation: Adjustment Applied |
None |
Calculation: Method of Adjustment |
Not applicable |
Denominator |
Description: 2. Sex recorded as female 3. Delivery coded in any diagnosis field: ICD-10-CA O10–O16, O21–O29, O30–O37, O40–O46, O48, O60–O69, O70–O75, O85–O89, O90–O92, O95, O98, O99 with a sixth digit of 1 or 2; or Z37 2. Delivery in which an abortive procedure was recorded (code may be recorded in any position; procedures coded as out of hospital or abandoned after onset [OOH Indicator Flag = Y or Intervention Status Attribute = A] are excluded): CCI: 5.CA.20.^^, 5.CA.24.^^, 5.CA.88.^^, 5.CA.89.^^, or 5.CA.93.^^ OR ICD-10-CA: O04 |
Numerator |
Description: CCI 5.MD.60^^ |
Rationale |
C-section rates provide information on the frequency of surgical birth delivery relative to all modes of birth delivery. Since C-section delivery increases maternal morbidity/mortality and is associated with higher costs, C-section rates are often used to monitor clinical practices, with an implicit assumption that lower rates indicate more appropriate, as well as more efficient, care. |
Interpretation |
Lower rates are desirable. |
HSP Framework Dimension |
Health System Outputs: Appropriate and effective |
Areas of Need |
Getting Better |
Targets/Benchmarks |
Not applicable |
References |
Canadian Institute for Health Information. Giving Birth in Canada: A Regional Profile. Ottawa, ON: CIHI; 2004. Canadian Institute for Health Information. Giving Birth in Canada: Regional Trends From 2001-2002 to 2005-2006. Ottawa, ON: CIHI; 2007. Joseph KS, Kramer MS, Marcoux S, et al. Determinants of Pre-Term Birth Rates in Canada From 1981 Through 1983 and From 1992 Through 1994. N Engl J Med. 1998; 339:1434-1439. Liu S, Rusen ID, Joseph KS, et al. Recent Trends in Caesarean Delivery Rates and Indications for Caesarean Delivery in Canada. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada. 2004;26(8):735-742. Liu S, Heaman M, Joseph KS, et al. Risk of Maternal Postpartum Readmission Associated With Mode of Delivery. Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2005;105(4):836-842.pp. 836-842. National Collaborating Centre for Women's and Children's Health. Caesarean Section [clinical practice guideline]. 2011 rev ed. London, U.K.: RCOG Press; 2012. www.nice.org.uk/nicemedia/live/13620/57162/57162.pdf. Shearer EL. Cesarean Section: Medical Benefits and Costs. Social Science & Medicine. 1993;37:1223-1231. |
Data Sources |
DAD, HMDB |
Available Data Years |
Type of Year: |
Geographic Coverage |
All provinces/territories |
Reporting Level/Disaggregation |
National, Province/Territory, Region |
Update Frequency |
Every year |
Indicator Results |
Web Tool: |
Updates |
Not applicable |
Caveats and Limitations |
Not applicable |
Trending Issues |
Not applicable |
Comments |
Caesarean Section Rate is also known as Total C-Section Rate in CIHI's Quick Stats product, under DAD/HMDB Childbirth Indicators by Place of Residence (2013–2014 results released March 2015). This Quick Stats product provides 14 childbirth indicators reported at the national, provincial/territorial and regional levels. Indicator results and full methodological notes can be found here: |