Abstract
Objective
To study population-level determinants of caesarean section trends in developed countries.
Data sources/study setting
National-level data (1980-2004) from developed countries on trends and potential determinants of caesarean section utilization.
Study design
The effect of maternal mortality, national income, hospital infrastructure and the health system financing and human resources profile on caesarean section rates was analysed with a dynamic econometric model.
Data collection/extraction methods
Annual data on utilization and potential determinants of caesarean section were obtained from health statistical services and international organizations.
Principal findings
The capacity of the health system to deliver surgical obstetric care, its financing structure, and possibly also its human resources profile, have stronger aggregate-level effects on caesarean section rates than does income.
Conclusions
Health system factors are potentially important aggregate-level determinants of caesarean section utilization which have been overlooked in debates focusing on the impact of women’s choices and doctors’ preferences.
To study population-level determinants of caesarean section trends in developed countries.
Data sources/study setting
National-level data (1980-2004) from developed countries on trends and potential determinants of caesarean section utilization.
Study design
The effect of maternal mortality, national income, hospital infrastructure and the health system financing and human resources profile on caesarean section rates was analysed with a dynamic econometric model.
Data collection/extraction methods
Annual data on utilization and potential determinants of caesarean section were obtained from health statistical services and international organizations.
Principal findings
The capacity of the health system to deliver surgical obstetric care, its financing structure, and possibly also its human resources profile, have stronger aggregate-level effects on caesarean section rates than does income.
Conclusions
Health system factors are potentially important aggregate-level determinants of caesarean section utilization which have been overlooked in debates focusing on the impact of women’s choices and doctors’ preferences.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Article number | 29 |
| Number of pages | 22 |
| Journal | World Health Report 2010 |
| Publication status | Published - 1 Jan 2010 |
Keywords
- caesarean section
- international comparisons
- health systems
- health financing
- human resources
- WHO