Differences between Italian and immigrant female citizens’ hospitalizations related to obstetrical and gynecological diseases in the province of Ferrara, Italy

Introduction - In the recent years, the province of Ferrara, in the Italian Northeast has been characterized by the phenomenon of massive immigration. The aim was to study hospital admissions related to the immigrant female population and its implications. Materials and Methods - The Local Healthcare Unit of the National Health Service provided data related to hospital admissions between 01/01/2006 to 31/12/2006. Results and Conclusions - On 53699 admissions of female subjects, 2656 were related to immigrants. A total of 1509 admissions were obstetrical or gynecological hospitalizations. The high number of DRGs representative of spontaneous abortions and voluntary interruptions of pregnancy may be an expression of social problem of some sections of the immigrant people community. The dissemination of information on the existence of social assistance programs is important. This can prevent the occurrence of critical health situations, especially during pregnancy and childbirth.