# Obstetric Outcomes of Eritrean Immigrants in Switzerland: A Comparative Study

## TL;DR

The study compares birth outcomes between Eritrean and Swiss women in Switzerland, finding differences in C-section rates and pain management.

## Contribution

The study provides novel insights into obstetric disparities among Eritrean immigrants in Switzerland.

## Key findings

- Eritrean women had lower primary C-section rates but higher emergency C-section rates compared to Swiss women.
- Eritrean women were less likely to receive epidural analgesia and more likely to receive no analgesia.
- The findings highlight disparities in obstetric care and decision-making among immigrant populations.

## Abstract

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.