Journal of Korean medical science
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J. Korean Med. Sci. · Jan 2019
Accessibility of Prenatal Care Can Affect Inequitable Health Outcomes of Pregnant Women Living in Obstetric Care Underserved Areas: a Nationwide Population-Based Study.
As of 2011, among 250 administrative districts in Korea, 54 districts did not have obstetrics and gynecology clinics or hospitals providing prenatal care and delivery services. The Korean government designated 38 regions among 54 districts as "Obstetric Care Underserved Areas (OCUA)." However, little is known there are any differences in pregnancy, prenatal care, and outcomes of women dwelling in OCUA compared to women in other areas. The purposes of this study were to compare the pregnancy related indicators (PRIs) and adequacy of prenatal care between OCUA region and non-OCUA region. ⋯ PRIs are different according to the regions where women are living. The Korean government should make an effort reducing these gaps of obstetric cares between OCUA and non-OCUA.