Ke-Zong M Ma1, Edward C Norton, Shoou-Yih D Lee. 1. Graduate Institute of Healthcare Administration, Kaohsiung Medical University, 100 Shih-Chuan 1st Road, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan. kezong@kmu.edu.tw
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that declining fertility would affect the number of cesarean sections (c-sections) on maternal demand, but not medically indicated c-sections. DATA SOURCES: The 1996-2004 National Health Insurance Research Database in Taiwan for all singleton deliveries. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective population-based, longitudinal study. Estimation was performed using multinomial probit models. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Results revealed that declining fertility had a significant positive effect on the probability of having a c-section on maternal request but not medically indicated c-section. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings offer a precautionary note to countries experiencing a fertility decline. Policies to contain the rise of c-sections should understand the role of women's preferences, especially regarding cesarean deliveries on maternal request.
OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that declining fertility would affect the number of cesarean sections (c-sections) on maternal demand, but not medically indicated c-sections. DATA SOURCES: The 1996-2004 National Health Insurance Research Database in Taiwan for all singleton deliveries. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective population-based, longitudinal study. Estimation was performed using multinomial probit models. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Results revealed that declining fertility had a significant positive effect on the probability of having a c-section on maternal request but not medically indicated c-section. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings offer a precautionary note to countries experiencing a fertility decline. Policies to contain the rise of c-sections should understand the role of women's preferences, especially regarding cesarean deliveries on maternal request.