Geographic Variation in Cesarean Sections in the United States: Trends, Correlates, and Other Interesting Facts /

Analyzing data spanning three decades covering the near universe of births, we study county-level differences in Cesarean section (C-section) rates among first-time mothers of singleton births. Our research reveals persistent geographic variation in C- section rates for both low- and high-risk group...

Ausführliche Beschreibung

1. Verfasser:

Robinson, Sarah

Körperschaft:

National Bureau of Economic Research

Weitere Verfasser:

Royer, Heather, Silver, David

Format:

Elektronisch E-Book

Sprache:

Englisch

Veröffentlicht:

Cambridge, Mass. National Bureau of Economic Research 2023.

Zusammenfassung:

Analyzing data spanning three decades covering the near universe of births, we study county-level differences in Cesarean section (C-section) rates among first-time mothers of singleton births. Our research reveals persistent geographic variation in C- section rates for both low- and high-risk groups. Counties with elevated C-section rates consistently perform more C-sections across mothers at all levels of appropriateness for the procedure. These elevated rates of C-section in high C-section counties are associated with reduced maternal and infant morbidity. We also find that C-section decisions are less responsive to underlying risks for Black mothers relative to white mothers, suggesting potential welfare-reducing disparities.

Umfang:

1 online resource: illustrations (black and white);

Anmerkungen:

November 2023.

Schlagworte:

Health