Crucial Insights: Study Addresses various Predictors to Reduce Stillbirths
Recent study focused on identifying predictors of stillbirth at Tema General Hospital in Ghana based on data collected in 2019. Stillbirths have significant public health implications and are influenced by various factors such as birth complications, fetal growth restriction, maternal infections, and disorders. Globally, the incidence of stillbirths remains high, with regional variations indicating a higher burden in low-income countries like Ghana.
Key Predictors of Stillbirth
The research was conducted using a retrospective analysis of health facility records from Tema General Hospital. The study area was in the Greater Accra Region, and the sample included 552 births (276 stillbirths and 276 live births). Data collection involved extracting information from delivery registers and maternal health records to assess predictors of stillbirth, including socio-demographic, obstetric, maternal medical, and fetal factors.
Impact of Maternal Factors
The study findings revealed several key predictors of stillbirth. Maternal age, education level, and employment status were significant factors, with older mothers, those with lower education levels, and employed mothers having higher odds of stillbirth. Additionally, maternal hypertension, fewer antenatal care visits, and cesarean deliveries were associated with an increased risk of stillbirth. Furthermore, infants delivered with a low birth weight or born to hypertensive mothers were more likely to result in stillbirth.
Significance of ANC Attendance
The analysis also highlighted the importance of ANC attendance in reducing the risk of stillbirth, indicating the significance of early detection and preventive measures during prenatal care. The study identified the relevance of maternal health conditions such as hypertension and the mode of delivery in predicting stillbirth outcomes.
Conclusion and Recommendations
In conclusion, the study emphasized the significance of addressing modifiable factors related to socio-demographic, maternal, and fetal characteristics to reduce the incidence of stillbirths. Recommendations included continuous education of pregnant women on risk factors, early identification of high-risk pregnancies, and professional development for healthcare providers to enhance outcomes. The study provided valuable insights into the predictors of stillbirth in a Ghanaian hospital setting, contributing to efforts to improve maternal and fetal health outcomes and reduce stillbirth rates.
Key Points
- The study focused on identifying predictors of stillbirth at Tema General Hospital in Ghana in 2019, highlighting the public health implications and various influencing factors such as birth complications, fetal growth restriction, maternal infections, and disorders.
- Key predictors of stillbirth were identified through a retrospective analysis of health facility records, including socio-demographic, obstetric, maternal medical, and fetal factors. Maternal age, education level, employment status, hypertension, fewer antenatal care visits, and cesarean deliveries were associated with an increased risk of stillbirth.
- Maternal factors like age, education level, and employment status played a significant role in the likelihood of stillbirth, with older mothers, those with lower education, and employed mothers having higher odds of experiencing stillbirth. Infants with low birth weight or born to hypertensive mothers were also at a higher risk.
- The study emphasized the importance of antenatal care (ANC) attendance in reducing stillbirth risks by enabling early detection and prevention, particularly in managing maternal health conditions like hypertension and determining the mode of delivery.
- To address the incidence of stillbirths, the study recommended interventions focusing on modifiable factors related to socio-demographic, maternal, and fetal characteristics. It suggested educating pregnant women on risk factors, early identification of high-risk pregnancies, and enhancing healthcare provider competencies.
- The research provided valuable insights into the predictors of stillbirth within a Ghanaian hospital setting, contributing to efforts to improve maternal and fetal health outcomes and decrease stillbirth rates.
Reference –
Grace Eddy Amewu et al. (2025). Predictors Of Stillbirth At Tema General Hospital: A Registry–Based Retrospective Study. *BMC Pregnancy And Childbirth*, 25. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-025-07438-x.
