A few studies have examined the frequency but none has jointly examined the spectrum of poor birth outcomes across important demographic subgroups in Zimbabwe. We assessed frequency of poor birth outcomes over one year October 1, 1997 through September 30, 1998 at Harare Hospital. Stillbirth rate was 70, incidence of low birthweight 199 and pre-terms 168 per 1000 live births. Receiving no antenatal care and breech deliveries, increased risks of being stillborn, (relative risk [RR]=2.5 95% CI 2.2,2.9 and 3.5 95% CI 3.1,4.1) pre-term births (RR=2.4 95% CI 2.3,2.6 and 2.5 95% CI 2.3,2.7) and low birthweight births (RR=2.2 95% CI 2.0,2.3 and 2.7 95% CI 2.4,2.8) respectively, while deliveries by Caesarian section were less likely to be stillborn (RR .6 95% CI.5,.7), or pre-terms (RR .8 95% CI .7,.9), or low birthweight births (RR .9 95% CI .8,.9). Pre-term births and low birthweight births were likely to be born stillborn (RR=6.9 95% CI 6.1,7.8 and 6.5 95% CI 5.7,7.4) or from a multiple gestation (RR=3.1 95% CI 2.8,3.3 and 3.4 95% CI 3.2,3.6). In conclusion, the rate of stillbirth is high and attributable to low birthweight but predominantly to prematurity, and reducing this rate calls for a better understanding of the determinants of prematurity. Breech deliveries associated with increased risk of stillbirth are more frequent among pre-term births. Therefore strategies for addressing these particular subsets of high-risk births are necessary through health education promoting early antenatal care and improved quality of obstetric care.
Learning Objectives: To describe poor birth outcomes in Zimbabwe, To learn more about Maternal and Health services and objectives, To make a case for Zimbabwe, To build networks with other invetigators and public health professionals
Keywords: Epidemiology, Infant Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.