Obstetric Outcomes in Nepali Immigrant Patients: A Retrospective Study Within the Rochester Regional Health System [26Q

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Ethnic minorities particularly immigrants, tend to be at increased risk for poor birth outcomes. Rochester New York is home to many Nepali immigrants with a 56% increase in 2014. These immigrants face many barriers which includes communication, health literacy and accessibility to health services. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the obstetric outcomes of Nepali patients within the Rochester Regional Health System. METHODS: Nepali women who delivered between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2016 were matched with Non-Nepali women who delivered during the same time period. Demographic and obstetric information was extracted from the electronic medical records. Obstetric outcomes between the 2 study groups were then analyzed. Data analysis was done using the SPSS, version 24. RESULTS: The final analysis was performed on 194 patients (86 Nepali and 108 Non-Nepali). Nepali patients had prolonged second stage of labor (P<.05) and a higher cesarean section rate (33.7% vs 26.9%) compared to Non-Nepali patients. Nepali patients also had significantly higher rates of chorioamnionitis/endometritis (P<.05) as well as third degree vaginal lacerations (P<.05). More postpartum hemorrhage was seen in the Nepali group of patients, 17.4% vs 12.0%. Babies born to Nepali mothers were more likely to be admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care unit (P<.05). CONCLUSION: Nepali mothers had higher obstetric complications than Non-Nepali mothers. Further ongoing analysis of health outcomes within this particular migrant population is warranted. This will certainly help to inform better reproductive health care practices for these patients, and ultimately minimize disparities in their obstetric care and outcomes.