Differences in Birthplace by ethnicity - a mixed-methods study v1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Differences in birthplace by ethnicity: a retrospective analysis of routine birth data at one NHS Trust (2014-2023) and a qualitative study of the birthplace choices of South Asian women at the same Trust.
IRAS ID
330803
Contact name
Frances Rivers
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
City, University of London
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 7 months, 0 days
Research summary
National maternity guidelines support choice of birthplace, with the expectation that NHS Trusts provide women with the option to give birth in an obstetric-led unit, a midwife-led unit or at home. There is limited research on the sociodemographic characteristics of women by birthplace and on the reasons why women from different ethnicities may choose to give birth in certain settings. Some evidence suggests that white women are more likely to choose to give birth in midwife-led settings than Black or Asian women.
Women and babies from minoritised communities experience significant health disparities. Systemic inequalities affect not just clinical outcomes but overall care experiences. The NHS has called for more data and research into ethnic inequalities in maternity to help address these inequities.
This study seeks to understand whether there are differences in birthplace by ethnicity focusing on the case of one NHS Trust in Greater London. It will achieve this aim by quantitatively analysing the relationship between place of birth and ethnicity at this Trust using routinely collected anonymised birth data.
It is also important to gain clearer understanding of the barriers and facilitators that women from minoritised communities encounter when choosing place of birth. Through qualitative semi-structured interviews, the study will also explore why women of South Asian heritage give birth in certain settings. The largest non-White group of women giving birth at the proposed study site are of Asian heritage. Recruitment will take place via the Trust’s social media accounts and local community groups.
Understanding to what extent and why women from minoritised communities may access different places of birth can help address inequities, improve choice and promote optimal health for women and babies.
The study will be published in a dissertation to be submitted to City, University of London towards the qualification of MSc in Global Maternal Health.REC name
West Midlands - Black Country Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
23/WM/0174
Date of REC Opinion
5 Sep 2023
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion