An ecological study of geographic variation and factors associated with cesarean section rates in South Korea.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Korea is in a condition where the impact of patient and supplier factors on cesarean section rates can be clearly described. The cesarean section rates in Korea are among the highest in the world while the number of obstetricians is decreasing sharply. This study aimed to investigate the geographic variation in cesarean section rates in Korea and its factors.

Methods

The data were obtained from the National Health Insurance database in Korea in 2013. We calculated the age-standardized and crude cesarean section rates of 251 districts in Korea and variation statistics. A linear regression analysis was performed to determine factors for cesarean section rates.

Results

The overall cesarean section rate in Korea was 364.6 cases per 1000 live births. The depriva

SUBMITTER: Kim AM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6506939 | biostudies-literature | 2019 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature