| Risk factors and causes of stillbirths among pregnant women in Pakistan |
| Authors: |
Kiran Afshan, Ghulam Narjis, and Mazhar Qayyum |
| Source: |
African Health Sciences, 19(1); DOI: 10.4314/ahs.v19i1.24 |
| Topic(s): |
Delivery care
Maternal health
Mortality
Stillbirths
|
| Country: |
Asia
Pakistan
|
| Published: |
APR 2019 |
| Abstract: |
Background: Globally 3 million stillbirths occur per year, and Pakistan is ranked 3rd among the countries having the highest burden. Despite being a major public health problem, efforts to reduce this figure are insufficient.
Objective: The aim of the study was to identify and measure the inequalities in stillbirth associated risk factors, causes and fertility risk behaviors.
Methods: Data were derived from the Pakistan Demographic and Health Surveys (PDHS) 1990-2013. Inequalities on determi- nants were evaluated using rate differences and rate ratios; time trends computed with annualized reduction rate (ARR).
Results: Overall ARR determined for stillbirth was -12.52 percent per annum. The high ARR were recorded for mothers age <20, urban areas, educated mothers and for highest wealth quintile. The relative inequalities were most pronounced for wealth quintiles, education and age of mothers. Stillbirth causes were unexplained antepartum (33%), unexplained intrapartum (21%), intrapartum asphyxia (21%) and antepartum maternal disorders (19%). The high fertility risk behavior was found in mothers with age >34 and birth order >3.
Conclusion: The study concluded that to achieve gain in child survival, there is need to promote antenatal care, birth spacing, and family planning programs in developing countries.
Keywords: Perinatal mortality, stillbirth causes, delivery complications, Pakistan. |
| Web: |
https://www.ajol.info/index.php/ahs/article/view/185722/175027 |
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