title: Factors that influence obstetrical care by Mississippi family physicians.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The objective of this study was to investigate factors associated with cause for attrition from obstetrics among family physicians in Mississippi and to identify enhancing factors for those practicing obstetrics.
  
  
  METHODS
  A twenty-two item self-addressed survey was utilized.
  
  
  METHODS
  All identifiable allopathic and osteopathic family physicians currently practicing in Mississippi.
  
  
  METHODS
  Factors that contribute to decisions by family physicians to practice or not practice obstetrics.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of the 652 surveys mailed, 235 (36%) were returned. Twenty-seven respondents indicated that they provide prenatal care. Fifteen of these performed non-emergent vaginal deliveries; ten provided the full spectrum of obstetrical care. There was a significant difference in the number of months of OB training between respondents who do non-emergent vaginal deliveries and those who did not. Personal interest and training ranked highest as influences for physicians practicing obstetrics. Factors associated with the decision not to practice included high malpractice premiums and the perception that other local physicians provide obstetrics.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  According to study results, most Mississippi family physicians are not practicing obstetrics. The influence of high malpractice premiums and the influence of the length of OB training on the physicians' choice to practice OB require additional investigation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Family Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 N. State Street, Jackson, MS 39216-4505, USA. shart-hester@familymed.umsmed.edu
authors.forename: Susan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hart-Hester
authors.forename: Chris Rodgers
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Arthur
authors.forename: Joyce
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Olutade
authors.forename: Diane
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Beebe
authors.forename: William
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Replogle
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005194:Family Practice; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008922:Mississippi; D009774:Obstetrics; D010821:Physicians, Family; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'