Investigating the Rates of Cesarean and Vaginal Deliveries Across Different Races and Ethnicities at Ascension St. Vincent Indianapolis

Abstract

Background: Cesarean section remains one of the most common surgical procedures for women in the United States. Previous studies have shown higher rates in African-American and Asian women and lower rates among White and Hispanic women. The objective of this study is to investigate the rates of cesarean and vaginal deliveries across different races and ethnicities as well as languages spoken at our institution. Methods: A retrospective chart review was completed of nulliparous women with term, singleton, and vertex deliveries between 2015-2020. Factors increasing risk for cesarean or contraindications for vaginal delivery were excluded. Binomial logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate mode and delivery indications among racial and ethnic groups as well as among primary languages spoken. Results: White was the largest race reported (66.4%), followed by Black or African American (27.6%), then Asian (3.6%). “Other” or rather, “Non-Hispanic”, was the largest ethnicity reported (85.2%). Cross-tabulating race and ethnicities, the largest group was non-Hispanic White (54%), followed by Non-Hispanic Black or African American (26.5%), then Hispanic or Latino (10.8%). Primary languages were English (91.0%), followed by Spanish (5.7%), then Other (3.3%). Preliminary results showed statistically significant differences in age, BMI, insufficient prenatal care, and specific labor dystocia indications among different races and ethnicities. There were also differences among English vs Spanish vs “Other” languages but not in rates of vaginal and cesarean deliveries. The binomial logistic regression analysis showed that BMI and most labor dystocia positively correlated with cesarean delivery, whereas race/ethnicity, language, age, insufficient prenatal care, and induction status did not change the outcome. Conclusions: Racial and ethnic differences in mode of delivery have been previously documented in previous studies; although we did not find this at our institution. Our findings, however, show a positive relationship between Body Mass Index (BMI) and cesarean delivery, as has previously been documented.