Reference no: EM133704765

Question

Compared outcomes of perinatal and maternal outcomes based on birth location. The purpose of the study was to compare any adverse outcomes that the baby or mother experienced to their planned birthplace. The dependent variable is the place of birth and the independent variable having any or no adverse outcomes for the baby or mother. Categories for birthplace were home, alongside midwifery units, freestanding midwifery units, and obstetric units. Events counted were stillbirths, encephalopathy, meconium aspiration syndrome, brachial plexus injury, and fractured humerus or clavicle. Data was collected through forms given to a coordinating midwife and returned 5 days postpartum using medical notes or computer records. Results showed that there was no significant difference in the odds of the primary outcome of births planned in non-obstetric vs obstetric unit settings. Continuous variables would not be appropriate for this study due to the qualitative nature of the data being collected.