Race, ethnicity, and insurance as determinants of epidural use: analysis of a national sample survey.
Despite widespread availability of pain interventions in childbirth, for most women, childbirth is associated with labor pain that exceeds expectations. Although epidural is superior to other medical interventions, the choice to use epidural still remains a matter of patient and doctor preference. Whether racial or ethnic characteristics influence preference of physician use or interact with insurance coverage is still unknown. This study used a large national sample of women to measure significant determinants of epidural use in order to discuss disparities in pain management. The findings suggest the need for nurse leaders to foster health policies that are sensitive to diversity and economics.
College of Nursing and Health Science, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA.
Martin J
MJ
Atherton
Veronica DeCarolis
VD
Feeg
Azza Fouad
AF
el-Adham
D000328:Adult; D015360:Analgesia, Epidural / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D016362:Analgesia, Obstetrical / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005006:Ethnicity / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D019458:Insurance Coverage / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D007348:Insurance, Health / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D016015:Logistic Models; D008483:Medical Assistance / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D017057:Medically Uninsured / Q000208:ethnology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011247:Pregnancy; D044469:Racial Groups / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014481:United States