FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH HIGH PREVALENCE OF FRESH STILL BIRTH AT DISTRICT HEAD QUARTER AND ALLIED HOSPITAL FAISALABAD

Abstract

Background: The poignant issue of stillbirth, the loss of a baby after 20 weeks of gestation, remains a critical global health concern, signaling potential challenges in maternal and neonatal well-being.
Objective: To determine the risk factors (Maternal, Fetal and Hospital) contributing to high prevalence of fresh stillbirth at DHQ and Allied Hospital Faisalabad.
Methodology: The study, conducted at Allied and District Head Quarter Hospital in Faisalabad over three months (August 2023-October 2023), employed a descriptive, cross-sectional design with a sample of 184 participants experiencing fresh stillbirth. Data was collected through self-structured questionnaires, and SPSS version 26.0 was used for analysis, presenting findings through tables and graphs with calculated descriptive statistics for a concise overview of the study.
Results: The study revealed that the highest occurrence of risk factors leading to fresh stillbirth was observed in the age group of 26 to 33 years (93.5%), with a predominant majority being married (97.3%), and a significant portion being illiterate (51.1%), while a majority were homemakers (77.7%). Maternal hypertension emerged as the primary cause of fresh stillbirth (89.7%). Fetal factors contributing to fresh stillbirth were predominantly attributed to fetal hypoxia (47.3%). Additionally, a hospital-related factor identified was insufficient facilities to address emergencies, accounting for 33.6% of cases.
Conclusion: A pronounced incidence of fresh stillbirth was noted at DHQ and Allied Hospital Faisalabad, with maternal hypertension identified as the primary contributing factor to this prevalence. Hospital-related factors accounted for a comparatively lower percentage, standing at 33.6%, while fetal factors, notably hypoxia, constituted a substantial 47.3%.