Cookies?
Library Header Image
LSE Research Online LSE Library Services

Demand and supply factors affecting the rising overmedicalization of birth in India

Leone, Tiziana ORCID: 0000-0001-9671-5382 (2014) Demand and supply factors affecting the rising overmedicalization of birth in India. International Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics, 127 (2). pp. 157-162. ISSN 0020-7292

[img]
Preview
PDF - Accepted Version
Download (526kB) | Preview
Identification Number: 10.1016/j.ijgo.2014.05.018

Abstract

Objective To understand the interaction between health systems and individual factors in determining the probability of a cesarean delivery in India. Methods In a retrospective study, data from the 2007–2008 District Level Household and Facility Survey was used to determine the risk of cesarean delivery in six states (Punjab, Delhi, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu). Multilevel modeling was used to account for district and community effects. Results After controlling for key risk factors, the analysis showed that cesareans were more likely at private than public institutions (P < 0.001). In terms of demand, higher education levels rather than wealth seemed to increase the likelihood of a cesarean delivery. District-level effects were significant in almost all states (P < 0.001), demonstrating the need to control for health system factors. Conclusion Supply factors might contribute more to the rise in cesarean delivery than does demand. Further research is needed to understand whether the quest for increased institutional deliveries in a country with high maternal mortality might be compromised by pressures for overmedicalization.

Item Type: Article
Official URL: http://www.journals.elsevier.com/international-jou...
Additional Information: © 2014 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics
Divisions: Social Policy
LSE Health
Subjects: H Social Sciences > HC Economic History and Conditions
H Social Sciences > HV Social pathology. Social and public welfare. Criminology
R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine
R Medicine > RJ Pediatrics
Date Deposited: 05 Aug 2014 09:30
Last Modified: 14 Sep 2024 06:35
URI: http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/id/eprint/58646

Actions (login required)

View Item View Item

Downloads

Downloads per month over past year

View more statistics