The goal of this observational study is to examine national trends in mode of delivery and to assess associations between cesarean section and early-life health outcomes using routinely collected health data in Thailand. The study includes mother-infant dyads delivering in public hospitals across Thailand. The main questions it aims to answer are: Is cesarean delivery associated with increased risk of adverse neonatal outcomes compared with vaginal delivery? Is cesarean delivery associated with differences in early-life healthcare utilization and breastfeeding outcomes during the first year of life? Researchers will compare infants born by cesarean section with infants born by vaginal delivery to evaluate differences in neonatal morbidity, healthcare utilization, and breastfeeding patterns. Participants will not receive any intervention. The study involves secondary analysis of de-identified national health administrative and clinical data, including delivery records and linked maternal and infant health outcomes.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
10,300
Neonatal health outcomes associated with mode of delivery
Comparison of neonatal health outcomes, including birth asphyxia, neonatal infection, respiratory complications, and low birth weight, between infants born by cesarean section and vaginal delivery using routinely collected national health data.
Time frame: Birth to 28 days of life
Early-life healthcare utilization during infancy
Frequency of healthcare utilization, including outpatient visits, emergency department visits, hospital admissions, and antibiotic use among infants by mode of delivery.
Time frame: Birth to 12 months of age
Breastfeeding outcomes by mode of delivery
Rates of exclusive and any breastfeeding among infants born by cesarean section compared with vaginal delivery, assessed using routinely collected health and nutrition records.
Time frame: Birth to 12 months of age
Temporal and geographic trends in cesarean delivery rates
Trends in cesarean section rates across regions, hospital levels, and time periods using national health administrative data.
Time frame: 2015 to 2025
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