Perinatal mortality in a rural referral hospital in the Niger Delta, Nigeria

Background: Perinatal mortality is a major public health issue in Nigeria with alarming statistics that has been given inappropriate attention both in the past and now. Materials and Methods: This is a descriptive study of all cases of perinatal deaths managed at the Baptist Medical Centre between 1 st January 1994 and 31 st December, 2003. Information was obtained from birth and labor ward registers, patients and mothers case notes and analyzed. Statistical analyses were applicable was performed with the INSTAT statistical package version 3.36 from the Statistical services center of the University of Reading. Results: There were 5,153 deliveries and 485 perinatal deaths. The perinatal mortality rate (PNMR) was 94.1/1000 deliveries, still birth rate was 53/1000 deliveries and early neonatal deaths was 41.1/1000 deliveries. There was a definite trend in PNMR during the 10 year study period marked by a steady increase. The highest perinatal deaths occurred in those greater than 35 years and those with parity ≥5 (14.1%). There were more significant perinatal deaths among the unbooked (22.4%) and this was statistically significant ( P Conclusion: PNMR of 94.1/1000 was very high in this study. There was no change in the PNMR when this study period was compared to current findings in other centers. Unbooked status was a significant risk factor for perinatal mortality. The common causes of perinatal mortality were prematurity/LBW, multiple pregnancy, severe birth asphyxia, prolonged obstructed labor and severe pre-eclampsia/eclampsia. Government and all stake holders in health care delivery should ensure the provision of emergency obstetric care for all women at all levels to reduce perinatal deaths. Interventions should be aimed at preventing, antenatal, intrapartum and postpartum complications of babies.