Predictors of stillbirths in a peri-urban referral facility in Northern Region, Ghana

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundStillbirths during pregnancy do not only trigger maternal psychological trauma but also affect the economic growth in developing countries. Since the predictors of stillbirths and their dynamics are diverse in different settings, it requires adequate knowledge to mitigate these predictors in reducing perinatal deaths in Ghana. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and determinants of stillbirths in a referral hospital in Northern Region of Ghana.MethodsThis study is a portion of a retrospective cohort study conducted from April to July 2020 in Savelugu municipality of Northern Ghana. Sociodemographic and obstetric data were collected using a structured questionnaire from antenatal and delivery records. We used binary logistic regression to identify independent predictors of stillbirths.ResultsFour percent (4.0%) of the 422 deliveries were stillborns. Anaemia in the first trimester of pregnancy (aOR: 3.15; 95%CI: 0.94 – 10.6; p=0.034), self-employed mothers (aOR: 7.75; 95%CI: 2.33 – 25.8; p=0.018), and non-use of insecticide-treated bed nets during pregnancy (aOR: 12.9; 95%CI: 1.55 – 107; p=0.001) were independent predictors of stillbirths.ConclusionThe relatively high stillbirth prevalence at the referral facility is affected by gestational anaemia and lifestyle factors including non-use of insecticide-treated bed nets and self-employed jobs. Management of Savelugu Municipal Hospital (Ghana Health Service), program planners, and other stakeholders who are engaged in improving perinatal and maternal health should be made aware of these predictors in order to reduce the stillbirth rate and its psychological effect on families in Savelugu.