72. Wick L, Mikki N, Giacaman R, Abdul-Rahim H.   Childbirth in Palestine. Int  J Gynaecol  Obstet. 2005 May; 89(2):174-8.

This study evaluates child birth practices in the occupied Palestinian territories and compares it to evidence base practice.  Interviews were administered to midwives and obstetricians in the eight governmental hospitals in the West Bank.  The questionnaire consisted of 56 items of open ended and fixed choice questions; duration of the study was between May 2002 and April 2003. Childbirth practices were also observed.  In addition data on birth frequencies for the year 2001 in 37 West Bank maternity hospitals was collected; the list was provided by the ministry of health.  The eight governmental hospitals reported using the "three beneficial forms of care."  The potentially harmful Lithotomy birth position and liberal use of episiotomy were utilized, and the use of a companion at birth was not utilized.  The highest number of deliveries in 2001 occurred in the eight governmental hospitals 48.3% and the lowest in UNRWA and the private sector institutions 13.2% and 2.3% respectively.    There is an inconsistency between childbirth practices in Palestine and evidence based practices.  There is also a need for skillful personnel to execute childbirth practices.