Perinatal mortality in a northern Nigerian rural community

Abstract

87 perinatal deaths which occurred out of 1484 births in a rural area of Northern Nigeria over a 9 month period were reviewed. The perinatal mortality rate was 58.6 per 1000 births. Babies born to very young adolescent mothers aged between 10-14 years had the highest perinatal mortality of 375 per 1000 births. Statistically significant relationships were also established between perinatal mortality and parity, educational status of the mother and birth weight. The leading cause of perinatal death was birth trauma which accounted for 48% of all perinatal deaths. Strategies for the reduction of perinatal mortality in the rural community are highlighted.

PIP: This study is based on data obtained from Danchadi and Dabaga villages in Danchadi district, Sokoto state, Nigeria on births and mortality over a nine month period. Births are followed-up eight days after delivery. The study aims to identify maternal and other social indicators of perinatal mortality relevant to rural northern Nigeria. The study area has a total population of 34,397, mostly Muslims and most without piped water or electricity. During the nine month period 98 perinatal deaths out of 1484 births (58.6/1000) are recorded. 61 of the perinatal deaths are stillbirths, and 24 die within the first week. The perinatal mortality rate is the highest among mothers aged 10-14 years (375/1000). The rate among mothers aged 15-16 years is 125/1000. The age specific differences in mortality are statistically significant. Perinatal mortality is highest among first births (96.5/1000). Second and third birth perinatal rates are 30.5/1000 and 27.7/1000, respectively. Differences by parity are statistically significant. The perinatal rate among mothers with no education is 63.1/1000 compared to mothers with a primary education (25.6/1000). Differences are statistically significant. The relative risk of perinatal mortality is 4 among low birth weight babies. Low birth weight babies have a perinatal mortality rate of 192.3/1000. Normal babies have a rate of 42.3/1000. The most common cause of death is birth trauma (48.3% of births). 19.5% of premature births and 14.9% of mature infants have unexplained deaths. Only 1% of mortality is due to congenital deformity. 9.2% are due to toxemia, and 5.8% are due to postpartum hemorrhage.