Evidence of overuse? Patterns of obstetric interventions during labour and birth among australian mothers

Abstract

There is global concern for the overuse of obstetric interventions during labour and birth among some population groups. Concern is due to increasing rates of morbidity and mortality associated with caesarean section. The aim of this study is to characterise the use of obstetric intervention among Australian mothers. The association between socio-demographic characteristics and birth type were compared, and logistic regression was undertaken to assess the likelihood of receiving obstetric intervention. Non-indigenous, urban and wealthier mothers had higher rates of all obstetric interventions, not attributable to medical or lifestyle risk factors.