A community-based longitudinal study was conducted in Southwest Ethiopia among 3474 pregnant women to estimate the extent of perinatal mortality. A case-control study among 120 cases and 360 controls were then undertaken to identify perinatal mortality determinants. Data were collected by using an interviewer-administered questionnaire and analyzed by using SPSS version 20.
Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify variables having a significant association with perinatal mortality. The perinatal mortality rate was 34.5 deaths per 1000 births. Attending ≥4 ANC visits, having good knowledge of crucial danger signs, and having a skilled attendant at birth were significantly associated with reducing perinatal mortality. Being a primipara, twin births, previous history of perinatal mortality, and obstetric complication during labor significantly increased perinatal mortality. The magnitude of perinatal mortality in the study area was high compared to the national target for 2020.
Care during pregnancy and childbirth and conditions of pregnancy and labor were identified as determinants of perinatal mortality.
The study concluded that interventions need to increase knowledge of danger signs and utilization of skilled maternity care. Particular emphasis needs to be given to mothers with a previous history of perinatal mortality, twin pregnancies, and obstetric complications.
Reference: https://www.hindawi.com/journals/jp/2020/6859157/
