Stillbirth, prevalence and related factors: suggestions for interventions

Objective This study aimed to investigate the rate of stillbirth and its related factors in Ilam province. METHODS In this retrospective study, all cases related to stillbirths in the entire province of Ilam were evaluated in the period of March 2018-February 2022. Sampling was done by census method and using a researcher-made questionnaire containing 32 questions in the field of demographic, maternal, medical history and fetal factors. After completing the questionnaire; the data were analyzed by SPSS software and using descriptive statistics of frequency (percentage), mean and statistical tests of chi-score, Fisher's exact test and multiple linear logistic regressions. RESULTS Out of a total of 29,787 births, 29,575 live births and 212 stillbirths were recorded. The Rate of stillbirth in Ilam province was 7/1 per 1000 live Birth. The results showed that stillbirth was significantly associated with factors such as parents' age, education, gestational age, and history of stillbirths, number and types of prenatal care, care providers, mother's blood group, underlying disease, medical disorders, amniotic fluid abnormalities, birth weight, fetal abnormalities and history of COVID-19. CONCLUSIONS Since the improvement of important health indicators leads to the improvement of the health of society; therefore, paying special attention to the very important group of pregnant mothers can help in achieving this goal. Providing the most accurate and better care before and during pregnancy according to the existing guidelines; It can help identify cases of stillbirth. It is suggested to establish health insurance for all covered mothers, communicate with mothers in hard-to-reach areas and identify mothers in need; necessary arrangements in existing guidelines to be included.