Prevalence and Predictors of Stillbirths Following Vaginal Delivery at Tumu Municipality of the Upper West Region, Ghana: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Abstract Background Low- and middle-income countries still have unacceptably high rates that makes it imperative to identify the factors that predict stillbirth so as to effectively develop interventions. This study aimed to identify the prevalence and predictors of stillbirth among mothers who gave birth in the Tumu municipality in the Upper West Region of Ghana. Methods Using a retrospective cross-sectional study design, 1,240 women who had vaginal deliveries had their medical records examined. From January 1 to December 31, 2019, information on vaginal deliveries was gathered from the hospital's records. The data were summarised using descriptive statistics, and the relationship between maternal and obstetric characteristics and foetal outcomes was investigated using Pearson's chi-square/Fisher's exact test. To evaluate predictors, logistic regression was fitted at a 95% confidence interval (95% CI), and the results were reported using odds ratio. Results Among the 1204 women, 626 (52%) of them were aged 20–29 years; 832 (70%) of mothers were multigravida and 878 (73.50%) attended ANC between 4 to 8 times. There were 1187 (98.6%) live births and the overall prevalence of foetal mortality was 14.12 per 1000 total births. Women who attended ANC between 4–8 times were 91% less likely to record a foetal mortality (AOR 0.090 (0.024–0.342) p-value = < 0.001). Women whose labour was not monitored using a partograph were more than 17 times likely to record a foetal mortality (AOR 17.156, 95% CL: 4.981–59.090, p-value = < 0.001). Conclusion The neonatal mortality rate is 14.12 per 1000 live births, with better outcomes for pregnant women who attend ANC 4–8 times. The likelihood of foetal deaths in labors without partograph monitoring is 17 times higher. Refresher training on patographs and early hospital arrival are recommended.