159157 Epidemiology of stillbirth in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada: A population-based study

Monday, November 5, 2007: 11:20 AM

Madonna Murphy, MSc, PhD (c) , Research and Evaluation Department, Centre for Health Information, St. John's, NF, Canada
Reza Alaghehbandan, MD , Research and Evaluation, Centre for Health Information, St. John's, NF, Canada
Don MacDonald, MSc, PhD (c) , Research and Evaluation, Centre for Health Information, St. John's, NF, Canada
Kayla Collins, MSc, PhD (c) , Research and Evaluation, Centre for Health Information, St. John's, NF, Canada
        
Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate epidemiologic characteristics of stillbirth in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador (NL), Canada.

Methods: A population-based study including all stillbirths to mothers resident in NL between 1995 and 2005 was conducted using the Stillbirth database and the Live Birth System. Annual rates of stillbirth by baby's gender, place of residence, mother's age, and season were calculated.

Results: During the study period, 286 stillbirths were recorded in NL, representing an overall stillbirth rate of 5.2 per 1,000 births (95% CI: 4.63-5.84). The stillbirth rates fluctuated over the 11-year study period (P > 0.05). Males had a higher rate of stillbirth than females (5.8 vs. 4.5 per 1,000 births, P = 0.05). The central health region of Newfoundland had the highest rate of stillbirth (7.9 per 1,000 births) and that was higher than the provincial rate (P < 0.0001). Mothers < 20 years of age had the highest rate of stillbirth (7.8 per 1,000 births) followed by age group > 34 years (5.9 per 1,000 births). Fetal asphyxia and placental separation/hemorrhage were the most common medical conditions associated with stillbirth. The rate of stillbirth was higher in spring (6.3 per 1,000 births) than other seasons.

Conclusion: This study highlights epidemiologic features, geographic disparities and groups at greater risk of stillbirth in the province. The findings can play a role in reducing the incidence of stillbirth in the province.

Learning Objectives:
Following this session, participants will be able to 1. Describe epidemiologic patterns of stillbirth in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. 2. Identify groups at increased risk for stillbirth. 3. Recognize the need for continued and enhanced prevention programs to reduce stillbirth.

Keywords: Epidemiology, Maternal Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No
Any institutionally-contracted trials related to this submission?

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

See more of: Maternal Infant and Child Epidemiology
See more of: Epidemiology