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Apr 18, 2023Article Details
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Stillbirths among pregnant women in Otukpo Local Government Area, Northcentral Benue State, Nigeria
Abstract
Background: The prevalence of stillbirth in low-to-middle income countries (LMICs) is alarmingly high. Nigeria has one of the highest stillbirth proportions worldwide, accounting for 12% of global stillbirths. At the population level, excessive stillbirth can be reduced with accessible prenatal and perinatal care. However, Nigeria lacks regional stillbirth data that would otherwise inform the allocation of obstetrical resources throughout rural areas.
Objective: To determine the prevalence of stillbirth in primary healthcare centres (PHCs) in Otukpo local government area (LGA) and to compare this with the stillbirth prevalence of other regions.
Methods: Perinatal records were retrieved from PHCsin Otukpo. Births were categorized according to outcome and year to ascertain differences in stillbirth proportions between 2014 and 2018. Data analysis utilized basic descriptive statistics and Chi-Square contingency test. Findings were expressed in frequencies and percentages; and presented in tables.
Results: A total of 1,047 birthing outcomes were recorded across 23 PHCs. Births were classified as: positive (live), low birthweight, stillbirth, macerated, or premature birth. Majority of births were positive (91.6%), with stillbirths representing 7.7% of outcomes. All other outcomes comprised less than 1% of births. There was no annual change in the proportion of stillbirths(p=0.93).
Conclusion: Stillbirth prevalence in Otukpo local government area is high. LMICs like Nigeria need better stillbirth data to improve prenatal and perinatal care.
