Maternal factors associated with stillbirth among women in Marsabit County, Kenya

Abstract

Background/Aim Stillbirth refers to fetal death occurring at or after 28 weeks of gestation. Worldwide, 130 million babies are born every year and approximately 4 million are stillborn; more than 98% of these deaths occur in developing countries. The government of the Republic of Kenya has put in place several measures, such as the National Health Insurance Fund and Free Child Delivery Programmes for pregnant women, in order to meet the Sustainable Development Goals on health. However, the problem of stillbirth continues to prevail in the country. This study sought to determine maternal factors associated with occurrence of stillbirth in selected hospitals in Marsabit County, Kenya. Methods The study employed a cross-sectional descriptive study design, targeting 387 women who delivered in selected hospitals in Marsabit County, to collect qualitative and quantitative data. Quantitative data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 24.0 while qualitative data were analysed using N-Vivo software version 11. Inferential statistics were calculated using Chi Square and Fisher's Exact Tests at 95% confidence interval and P<0.05 was considered significant. Results The rate of stillbirth occurrence was 5.9%. Maternal factors significantly associated with the occurrence of stillbirth included antenatal attendance (P=0.031), use of illicit drugs (P=0.041), low maternal weight (P=0.043) and tough domestic work (P=0.004). Conclusions The respondents from Marsabit County experienced relative high rates of stillbirth compared to the national figure. The outcome of delivery was significantly influenced by maternal factors. These results may help address the high rate of stillbirth across the country and improve the delivery outcomes of pregnancies among mothers delivering in public hospitals.

Birth Plan Utilization and Associated Factors among Post Natal Women Attending Maternal Child Health Services in Moyale Sub County, Kenya

“…The investigation underscores the indispensable nature of expanded understanding and appreciation concerning birth arrangements for postnatal women in less prosperous regions (Wako et al, 2021). Collective attempts aimed at bettering prenatal care admittance coupled with inclusive birth scheme guidance could facilitate optimal maternal and baby health final results.…”

“…In a study done to look at factors contributing to still births in Marsabit County, one of the findings was that only 27.6% of participants who comprised of postpartum females possessed a birth plan, signifying a comparatively low incidence of IBP utilization when contrasted against preceding investigations executed internationally in industrialized nations (Wako, 2021). Consequently, it underlines the existence of a requirement for augmented consciousness and instruction regarding the significance of birthing schemes among women of child bearing age inhabiting the region.…”

Women's experiences of care after stillbirth and obstetric fistula: A phenomenological study in Kenya

“…1 In 2014, the World Health Assembly set a target for reducing the stillbirth rates to 12 or fewer stillbirths per 1000 births by 2035. 2 Kenya has introduced the National Hospital Insurance Fund and free maternity care to improve access to maternity services 3 ; however, the stillbirth rate has remained static, with estimations of 19.67 per 1000 births in 2013 and 19.75 per 1000 births in 2019. 4 This is similar to other sub-Saharan countries where stillbirths have stagnated or even increased due to population growth.…”