Cesarean section rate: a comparison between family physicians and obstetricians.
This retrospective study compared the cesarean section rates of family physicians and obstetricians for low-risk pregnancies. The study populations (n = 492) were demographically similar. The overall cesarean section rate for the study was 7.5%. Chi-square analysis revealed a statistically significant higher rate of cesarean section for obstetricians compared to family physicians. Obstetricians were overall three times more likely to deliver by cesarean section than were family physicians (11.3% compared to 3.8%). This pattern persisted for normal-length Stage I and Stage II labors. Equal cesarean section rates were noted in prolonged labor patterns. The rate of fetal distress, meconium, or other complications was equal between family physicians and obstetricians; equivalent fetal outcomes and Apgar scores were noted. None of the studied patient factors explained the difference in cesarean section rates between family physicians and obstetricians.
Applegate
J A
JA
Michigan State University.
Walhout
M F
MF
D000328:Adult; D002585:Cesarean Section / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005194:Family Practice; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009774:Obstetrics; D011247:Pregnancy; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors