International Journal of Public Health (May 2024)

Obstetric Outcomes of Eritrean Immigrants in Switzerland: A Comparative Study

  • Rahel M. Erhardt,
  • Rahel M. Erhardt,
  • Kristen Jafflin,
  • Kristen Jafflin,
  • Nejimu Zepro,
  • Nejimu Zepro,
  • Charles Abongomera,
  • Charles Abongomera,
  • Afona Chernet,
  • Afona Chernet,
  • Daniel Henry Paris,
  • Daniel Henry Paris,
  • Sonja Merten,
  • Sonja Merten

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/ijph.2024.1606745
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 69

Abstract

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Objectives: This study aims to compare obstetric outcomes between Eritrean and Swiss women in Switzerland, focusing on instrumental or surgical interventions and analgesia use.Methods: The study included data from 45,412 Swiss and 1,132 Eritrean women who gave birth in Swiss hospitals (2019–2022). Mixed-effects logistic regression was used to assess the effect of nationality on mode of delivery and analgesia use and multinomial mixed-effects logistic regression to assess the effect of nationality on mode of delivery in women intended for spontaneous vaginal delivery.Results: Compared with Swiss, Eritrean women had a lower rate of primary C-section (Adj. OR 0.73, 95% CI [0.60, 0.89]) but a higher risk of initially planned vaginal deliveries ending in emergency C-section (RRR 1.31, 95% CI [1.05, 1.63]). Eritrean women were less likely to receive epidural analgesia (Adj. OR 0.53, 95% CI [0.45, 0.62]) and more likely to not receive any analgesia (Adj. OR 1.73, 95% CI [1.52, 1.96]).Conclusion: This study reveals disparities in obstetric care, notably in higher emergency C-section rates and lower analgesia use among Eritrean women. For promoting equitable healthcare practices deeper understanding of obstetrics decision-making is needed.

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