Abstract:
BACKGROUND : Perinatal deaths account for 7% of the global burden of disease, with developing countries
contributing about 98% of deaths. The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence and factors contributing to
adverse pregnancy outcomes, particularly perinatal death, among women at Sakubva hospital, Mutare district,
Zimbabwe from January to June 2014.
METHODS : We conducted a retrospective review of 346 patient records, of women who delivered at Sakubva
hospital and those referred from Mutare district facilities to Mutare Provincial Hospital, between January and June
2014. Descriptive statistics was used to explore the contributors to stillbirths and early neonatal deaths in Mutare.
RESULTS : Of the 346 women, 54 (15.61%) experienced an adverse pregnancy outcome (stillbirth or early neonatal
death). Contributing factors to adverse pregnancy outcomes included birthweight, gestational age, delivery
complications and delivery methods. These factors are preventable if quality focused antenatal care, intrapartum
care is provided. Identification of pregnancy complications and facilitation of proper method of delivery is key to
improve quality of care. Caesarean section provision to all women who need it improves outcomes.
CONCLUSIONS : High prevalence of adverse pregnancy outcomes in Mutare district could be reduced through the
provision of quality antenatal care throughout the continuum of care, pre-, intra and postpartum. Further studies to
explore risk factors associated with high adverse outcomes are recommended.
