OCCURENCE OF INTRAUTERINE FETAL DEATH, AND ITS ASSOCIATED FACTORS IN WOMEN AGED 15-49YEARS IN ABA, ABIA STATE

Public Health

This study determined the prevalence of intrauterine fetal death, and its associated factors in women aged 15-49years in Aba, Abia state. Three specific objectives with corresponding research questions and two hypotheses guided the study. Descriptive retrospective survey design was used for the study. A simple random sampling technique was used to draw a samples 385 women aged 15-49 years in Aba, Abia State. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection after being validated and its reliability tested and also hospital records were used as secondary data. The data collected was analysed using Microsoft excel, frequencies, percentage and bar chart; the hypotheses were tested using Adjusted odd ratio and chi-square (X2) statistics at ≤0.05 level of significance. The result revealed that the prevalence of IUD among women was 85.3% per 1000 deliveries in 2013, and in 2014 the prevalence of IUD was 81.9% per 1000 deliveries. In 2015 the prevalence of IUD was 76.8%, per 1000 deliveries, a total reduction of about 10%. In 2016, 79.8% prevalence pre 1000 delivers was recorded. In 2017 the prevalence of IUD was 94.1% per 1000 deliveries, giving a 20% increase of IUD. The prevalence of IUD in 2018 was 92.2% per 1000 deliveries. Fetal growth restriction was identified as the highest fetal factors that lead to IUD 46 (11.9%). Thirty-eight (9.9%) identified placental abruption as fetal factor that lead to IUD. Twenty-five (6.5%) identified placenta previa as fetal factor that lead to IUD. Twenty-four (6.2%) identified chord prolapse as fetal factor that lead to IUD. Thirty-two (8.3%) identified hydraminos pregnancy as fetal factor that lead to IUD while 22 (5.7%) identified other unexplained complications as fetal factor that lead to IUD. The result also showed that the Adjusted Odd Ratio of having IUD is 2 times more when fetal growth restriction is experienced and 1.380 times more when Placenta Abruption is experienced. Based on the findings, the researcher recommended that IUFD should be declared a health problem of major public health concern. Also, Support should be giving to Primary health care centers by providing more facilities and training for health works in other to boost their knowledge on Obstetric care.

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