Childbirth in Greek maternity hospitals and the community (birth centers - home births)
| ISRCTN | ISRCTN17234550 |
|---|---|
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN17234550 |
| Sponsor | University of Western Macedonia |
| Funder | University of Western Macedonia |
- Submission date
- 22/11/2025
- Registration date
- 26/11/2025
- Last edited
- 25/11/2025
- Recruitment status
- Not yet recruiting
- Overall study status
- Ongoing
- Condition category
- Pregnancy and Childbirth
Plain English summary of protocol
Background and study aims
In Greece, the rates of caesarean sections have exceeded 50%, while those who give birth vaginally are subjected to a large number of interventions during labour, such as episiotomy, administration of oxytocin, and frequent vaginal examinations, among others. In Europe and the United States, there is currently a trend toward less medical interventions at childbirth without compromising perinatal outcomes, while enhancing women’s positive childbirth experiences. The purpose of the GENESIS study is to explore the magnitude and type of medical interventions during childbirth, women’s childbirth experience, and perinatal outcomes according to the place of birth (hospital, birth center, home) in Greece.
Who can participate?
In the GENESIS study, women who have given birth in Greece within the past five (5) years may participate. These women may have given birth in a maternity hospital (public or private) (hospital births), at home (home births), or in a birth center (birth center).
What does the study involve?
The GENESIS study will be conducted as an online survey using a questionnaire specifically designed to collect data and information regarding childbirth among women in Greece. The data to be recorded will include: demographic characteristics; details of the participants’ most recent birth (place of birth [hospital, birth center, home], mode of delivery [CS/VB], medical interventions, if any, etc.); perinatal outcomes (maternal/neonatal morbidity and mortality); and women’s childbirth experiences.
What are the possible benefits and risks of participating?
There are no benefits or risks associated with participating.
Where is the study run from?
The University of Western Macedonia, Greece.
When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for?
December 2025 to February 2026.
Who is funding the study?
The University of Western Macedonia, Greece.
Who is the main contact?
Dr Dimitrios Papoutsis, Associate Professor at the Department of Midwifery, in the University of Western Macedonia in Greece, dpapoutsis@uowm.gr
Contact information
Public, Scientific, Principal investigator
KEPTSE area, Ptolemaida
Kozani
50200
Greece
 ORCID ID |
0000-0001-9921-1120 |
|---|---|
| Phone | +30 24610 68050 |
| dpapoutsis@uowm.gr |
Study information
| Primary study design | Observational |
|---|---|
| Observational study design | Cross sectional study |
| Scientific title | Childbirth in Greek maternity hospitals and the community (birth centers - home births)-the GENESIS study |
| Study acronym | GENESIS |
| Study objectives | The primary objectives are to explore the magnitude and type of medical interventions during childbirth, women’s childbirth experience, and the perinatal outcomes according to the place of birth (hospital, birth center, home) in Greece The secondary objectives are to identify the factors that may reduce the medical interventions during labour, improve perinatal outcomes, and enhance women’s childbirth experiences. For example, such factors may include the presence of a midwife during labour, attendance of antenatal childbirth preparation classes, the public or private nature of the maternity hospital, and home birth, among others. |
| Ethics approval(s) |
Approved 19/11/2025, Research Ethics Committee of the University of Western Macedonia, Greece (ZEP area - University of Western Macedonia Kozani Greece, Kozani, 50100, Greece; +30 2461056500; ehde@uowm.gr), ref: 220/2026/19.11.2025 |
| Health condition(s) or problem(s) studied | Exploring the magnitude and type of medical interventions during childbirth, women’s childbirth experience, and perinatal outcomes according to the place of birth (hospital, birth center, home) in Greece |
| Intervention | The GENESIS study will be conducted as an online survey using a questionnaire specifically designed to collect data and information regarding childbirth among women in Greece. The data to be recorded will include: demographic characteristics; details of the participants’ most recent birth (place of birth [hospital, birth center, home], mode of delivery [CS/VB], medical interventions, if any, etc.); perinatal outcomes (maternal/neonatal morbidity and mortality); and women’s childbirth experiences. |
| Intervention type | Other |
| Primary outcome measure(s) |
|
| Key secondary outcome measure(s) | |
| Completion date | 28/02/2026 |
Eligibility
| Participant type(s) | |
|---|---|
| Age group | Mixed |
| Lower age limit | 16 Years |
| Upper age limit | 54 Years |
| Sex | Female |
| Target sample size at registration | 1000 |
| Key inclusion criteria | In the GENESIS study, women who have given birth in Greece within the past five (5) years may participate. These women may have given birth in a maternity hospital (public or private) (hospital births), at home (home births), or in a birth center (birth center). |
| Key exclusion criteria | Women who have given birth in Greece more than five (5) years ago. |
| Date of first enrolment | 01/12/2025 |
| Date of final enrolment | 28/02/2026 |
Locations
Countries of recruitment
- Greece
Study participating centres
Results and Publications
| Individual participant data (IPD) Intention to share | No |
|---|---|
| IPD sharing plan summary | Data sharing statement to be made available at a later date |
| IPD sharing plan |
Editorial Notes
25/11/2025: Study’s existence confirmed by the Research Ethics Committee of the University of Western Macedonia, Greece.
