Stillbirths in Rural Bangladesh: Levels, Timing, and Causes
Author Information
Author(s): Baqui Abdullah H, Choi Yoonjoung, Williams Emma K, Arifeen Shams E, Mannan Ishtiaq, Darmstadt Gary L, Black Robert E
Primary Institution: Johns Hopkins University
Hypothesis
What are the levels, types, and causes of stillbirth in rural Sylhet district of Bangladesh?
Conclusion
The stillbirth rate is high in rural Bangladesh, with many stillbirths attributable to maternal conditions and obstetric complications.
Supporting Evidence
- A total of 1748 stillbirths were recorded during 2003-2005 from 48,192 births.
- About 60% of stillbirths were categorized as antepartum and 40% as intrapartum.
- Maternal conditions contributed to about 29% of total antepartum stillbirths.
Takeaway
In rural Bangladesh, many babies are stillborn, and this is often due to problems with the mothers' health during pregnancy and complications during delivery.
Methodology
The study used a complete pregnancy history and verbal autopsy data from women who had pregnancy outcomes during 2003-2005.
Potential Biases
Potential reporting errors in maternal recall of stillbirths.
Limitations
Possible underestimation of stillbirths and issues with the accuracy of maternal reporting.
Participant Demographics
Women in rural Sylhet district who had pregnancy outcomes from 2003-2005.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.000
Confidence Interval
95% CI: 34.6-38.0 per 1000 total births
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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