Women's level of education may predict their choice to use epidural or spinal anesthesia during a singleton birth via vaginal delivery, according to a study published in National Vital Statistics Reports.
Researchers studied women's use of epidural or spinal anesthesia during singleton birth in vaginal deliveries in the 27 states that had implemented the 2003 U.S. Standard Certificate of Live Birth by 2008. Data revealed that overall, 61 percent of women received epidural or spinal anesthesia.
More highly-educated women were more likely to receive the anesthesia: Women with at least a master's or doctoral degree were twice as likely to receive epidural or spinal anesthesia as women with an eighth grade education. Differences in anesthesia use between women with a master's degree and women with at least some college education or a bachelor's degree, however, were smaller. In addition, racial and ethnic differences in levels of anesthesia use decreased with higher education.
Read the study in National Vital Statistics Reports (pdf).
Read more coverage on anesthesia:
- Surgical Apgar Score Essential to Decreasing Mortality, Physicians Say
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Researchers studied women's use of epidural or spinal anesthesia during singleton birth in vaginal deliveries in the 27 states that had implemented the 2003 U.S. Standard Certificate of Live Birth by 2008. Data revealed that overall, 61 percent of women received epidural or spinal anesthesia.
More highly-educated women were more likely to receive the anesthesia: Women with at least a master's or doctoral degree were twice as likely to receive epidural or spinal anesthesia as women with an eighth grade education. Differences in anesthesia use between women with a master's degree and women with at least some college education or a bachelor's degree, however, were smaller. In addition, racial and ethnic differences in levels of anesthesia use decreased with higher education.
Read the study in National Vital Statistics Reports (pdf).
Read more coverage on anesthesia:
- Surgical Apgar Score Essential to Decreasing Mortality, Physicians Say
- Type of Procedure, Anesthetic Does Not Affect Long-Term Post-Op Cognitive Dysfunction
- Eladur Patch for Low Back Pain Doesn't Meet Study Goals