Malaria, intestinal helminths and other risk factors for stillbirth in Ghana.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of the study was to assess Plasmodium/intestinal helminth infection in pregnancy and other risk factors for stillbirth in Ghana.


METHODS
A cross-sectional study of women presenting for delivery in two hospitals was conducted during November-December 2006. Data collected included sociodemographic information, medical and obstetric histories, and anthropometric measures. Laboratory investigations for the presence of Plasmodium falciparum and intestinal helminths, and tests for hemoglobin levels were also performed.


RESULTS
The stillbirth rate was relatively high in this population (5%). Most of the stillbirths were fresh and 24% were macerated. When compared to women with no malaria, women with malaria had increased risk of stillbirth (OR = 1.9, 95% CI = 1.2-9.3). Other factors associated with stillbirth were severe anemia, low serum folate concentration, past induced abortion, and history of stillbirth.


CONCLUSIONS
The fact that most of the stillbirths were fresh suggests that higher quality intrapartum care could reduce stillbirth rates.
Yatich
Nelly J
NJ
Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), Birmingham, AL 35294-0022, USA.
Funkhouser
Ellen
E
Ehiri
John E
JE
Agbenyega
Tsiri
T
Stiles
Jonathan K
JK
Rayner
Julian C
JC
Turpin
Archer
A
Ellis
William O
WO
Jiang
Yi
Y
Williams
Jonathan H
JH
Afriyie-Gwayu
Evans
E
Phillips
Timothy
T
Jolly
Pauline E
PE
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005869:Ghana / Q000453:epidemiology; D006373:Helminthiasis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D007411:Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic / Q000453:epidemiology*; D016015:Logistic Models; D008288:Malaria / Q000453:epidemiology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011247:Pregnancy; D015597:Pregnancy Complications, Parasitic / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012307:Risk Factors; D050497:Stillbirth / Q000453:epidemiology*