PNS62 TERRITORIAL INEQUALITIES IN THE PREVALENCE OF CAESAREAN SECTION BIRTHS BETWEEN 2014-2018 IN HUNGARY

Abstract

The growing tendency of caesarean section births has become a highly debated health political topic. Numerous studies try to find causes and assess geographical differences. The aim of our study is to map the territorial differences of caesarean section births between NUTS 2 and NUTS 3 regional levels of Hungary. Data (caesarean section births per 10,000 women in regional and county-level between 2014-2018) were derived from the PULVITA Healthcare Data Warehouse Hospital Indicator Query program (e-KIL) operated by the Hungarian National Healthcare Services Centre. Mean age of women was retrieved from the inpatient database. The following ICPM codes were assessed: 57400 – caesarean section – corporal, longitudinal; 57410 – caesarean section – cervical, transverse; 57420 – caesarean section – extraperitoneal; 57421 – caesarean section – with sterilization. Population data were retrieved from the Hungarian Central Statistical Office. There were 65.4 cases /10,000 women in 2014. Most cases were registered in Central-Hungary (76.9) and in capital Budapest (113.7). Mean age was the highest in Central Hungary (31.1 years) and in Budapest (31.7 years). There were 71.1 cases /10,000 women in 2018. Most cases were registered in Central-Hungary (79.0) and in capital Budapest (117.9). Mean age was the highest in Western Transdanubia (31.7 years) and in Győr-Moson-Sopron county (32.0 years). Number of caesarean sections /10,000 women rose by +8.7% between 2014-2018. Amount of cases increased in Northern Hungary the most (+21.6%). Greatest increase was found in Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén county (+33.8%), while the greatest decrease happened in Somogy county (-14.0%). Most caesarean section cases per 10,000 women were registered in the Central Hungarian region, and in capital Budapest between 2014-2018. Major inequalities were found between regions and counties.