On 2014 Apr 29, Gwinyai Masukume commented:

“Data from WHO [World Health Organization] suggest that nearly half of all births in China were delivered by caesarean section in 2007–08 …”; in the article that the author’s cite to support their statement it is written, “The results, especially rates of caesarean section, should not be regarded as representative rates and outcomes for entire countries or regions.” [1]

The authors claim that the caesarean section rate in China (42% in 2010) is the highest in the world; however this does not seem true; the Chinese rate could be around 26% (still a high rate) but the rate is certainly not the highest in the world [2].

The authors also state that WHO recommends a 15% proportion of births by caesarean section, but they give no reference. WHO states, “Both very low and very high rates of caesarean section can be dangerous, but the optimum rate is unknown.” - the 15% proportion has its origins in 1985 [3].

References

[1] Lumbiganon P, Laopaiboon M, Gülmezoglu AM, Souza JP, Taneepanichskul S, Ruyan P, et al. Method of delivery and pregnancy outcomes in Asia: the WHO global survey on maternal and perinatal health 2007-08. Lancet. 2010; 375(9713):490-9. Lumbiganon P, 2010

[2] Gibbons L, Belizán JM, Lauer JA, Betrán AP, Merialdi M, Althabe F. The Global Numbers and Costs of Additionally Needed and Unnecessary Caesarean Sections Performed per Year: Overuse as a Barrier to Universal Coverage. World Health Report, Background Paper, 30. [Internet] 2010. [cited 25 April 2014]. Available from: http://www.who.int/healthsystems/topics/financing/healthreport/30C-sectioncosts.pdf

[3] Monitoring emergency obstetric care – a handbook. [Internet] 2009. [cited 25 April 2014]. Available from: http://whqlibdoc.who.int/publications/2009/9789241547734_eng.pdf

On 2014 Apr 29, Gwinyai Masukume commented:

“Data from WHO [World Health Organization] suggest that nearly half of all births in China were delivered by caesarean section in 2007–08 …”; in the article that the author’s cite to support their statement it is written, “The results, especially rates of caesarean section, should not be regarded as representative rates and outcomes for entire countries or regions.” [1]

The authors claim that the caesarean section rate in China (42% in 2010) is the highest in the world; however this does not seem true; the Chinese rate could be around 26% (still a high rate) but the rate is certainly not the highest in the world [2].

The authors also state that WHO recommends a 15% proportion of births by caesarean section, but they give no reference. WHO states, “Both very low and very high rates of caesarean section can be dangerous, but the optimum rate is unknown.” - the 15% proportion has its origins in 1985 [3].

References

[1] Lumbiganon P, Laopaiboon M, Gülmezoglu AM, Souza JP, Taneepanichskul S, Ruyan P, et al. Method of delivery and pregnancy outcomes in Asia: the WHO global survey on maternal and perinatal health 2007-08. Lancet. 2010; 375(9713):490-9. Lumbiganon P, 2010

[2] Gibbons L, Belizán JM, Lauer JA, Betrán AP, Merialdi M, Althabe F. The Global Numbers and Costs of Additionally Needed and Unnecessary Caesarean Sections Performed per Year: Overuse as a Barrier to Universal Coverage. World Health Report, Background Paper, 30. [Internet] 2010. [cited 25 April 2014]. Available from: http://www.who.int/healthsystems/topics/financing/healthreport/30C-sectioncosts.pdf

[3] Monitoring emergency obstetric care – a handbook. [Internet] 2009. [cited 25 April 2014]. Available from: http://whqlibdoc.who.int/publications/2009/9789241547734_eng.pdf