Does ethnicity influence obstetric intervention?

AIMS

To examine whether the high proportion of Polynesian women giving birth at Middlemore Hospital contributes to its low interventional delivery rate.

METHODS

A study of a one-year cohort of women delivering at Middlemore Hospital. Delivery suite records were scrutinised to determine ethnicity and mode of delivery. Statistical comparisons were made.

RESULTS

In Maori, Pacific Island and European women the caesarean section rates were 6.5%, 9.5% and 11.5% respectively. Maori women have a significantly lower rate of caesarean section than Pacific Island women and both groups have a significantly lower rate than European women. The spontaneous vaginal delivery rates in Maori, Pacific Island and European women were 89.0%, 87.4% and 74.8% respectively.

CONCLUSION

The high proportion New Zealand Maori and Pacific Island women contributes to, but does not fully explain, the low interventional delivery rate at Middlemore Hospital.