EC Paediatrics

Introduction: Despite several global measures employed to curb the prevalence of perinatal mortality, it is still an unresolved problem. It has continued to be an essential part of the sustainable development goals to end preventable child deaths by 2030.

Objective: To determine the factors influencing perinatal mortality in Federal medical centre Asaba over a period of one year.

Method: A prospective study of all cases of perinatal mortality that occurred at Federal medical centre Asaba from July 1^st 2020 to June 30^th 2021 was conducted. Data collected with the aid of data entry forms designed for the purpose were analyzed using statistical package SPSS20.

Result: Over the study period, there were 1023 deliveries out of which were 30 perinatal death giving a perinatal mortality ratio of 29 per 1000 live birth with Still birth rate and early neonatal death rate of 3 per 1000 and 26 per 1000 (live birth) respectively. The male to female ratio was 1.5:1. Overall, respiratory distress conditions in preterm babies were the commonest probable cause of perinatal mortality over the study period, this accounted for 20 (60%) of the 30 perinatal deaths.

Conclusion: The study showed low perinatal mortality however, it is high compared to the target in Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) and PMR was largely affected by preterm delivery.

Keywords: Sustainable Development Goal (SDG); Perinatal Mortality; Preterm Delivery

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