Factors contributing to occurrence of stillbirths in a tertiary hospital

Abstract

INTRODUCTION Stillbirths are a global public health concern. It is estimated that 2.6 million stillbirths occur around the globe annually, of which more than 20 000 babies are stillborn in South Africa. This illustrates the magnitude of the prevalence of stillbirths. Many stillbirths are not openly discussed in communities, though the grief thereof is immense and unbearable to the families. AIM • To assess the risk factors contributing to the occurrence of stillbirth delivery in a tertiary hospital in Emalahleni sub-district in Mpumalanga province. OBJECTIVES • To determine the antenatal factors contributing to the occurrence of stillbirth delivery at a tertiary hospital in Emalahleni sub-district Mpumalanga province. • To determine the intrapartum factors contributing to the occurrence of stillbirth delivery at a tertiary hospital in Emalahleni sub-district in Mpumalanga province. METHOD This study used a quantitative retrospective descriptive approach in line with a positivist strategy. Records were assessed using a data collecting tool to assess factors contributing to the occurrence of stillbirths in a tertiary hospital at Emalahleni in Mpumalanga province. Data was coded and aggregated to meaningful information using statistical tool Stata 14.1/15 with assistance of a statistician. Data analysis was done to assess factors associated to stillbirths. RESULTS The findings of this study may be of benefit to quality improvement in the longstanding challenge of stillbirth in the hospital where the study will be conducted. The study may also assist the government with attaining the 2030 sustainable development goal target of 10 stillbirths per 1000 births. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION The study highlighted contributing factors to the occurrence of stillbirths in a tertiary hospital. The findings revealed challenges regarding health education of pregnant mothers about risk factors in pregnancy. Therefore, it was recommended that there must be health education to pregnant women to prevent stillbirth.