In the 19th century, childbed fever* was
common among women giving birth
in hospital. It was believed that fear of
hospitalization caused the fatal disease.
In 1864, Dr Ignaz Semmelweiss found that the
death rates of childbed fever in Clinic I and I
Clinic II were 10% and 4% respectilely.
Is the hypothesis 'fear of hospitalization
caused childbed fever' supported by the
death rates? Explain your answer. (2 marks)
