title: Annual distribution of births and deaths outcomes at Harare Maternity Hospital, Zimbabwe.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess socio-demographic and reproductive/obstetric risk factors for stillbirth, preterm births and low birth weight (LBW). To explore the probability of death at birth by antenatal care attendance, and by delivery with a Caesarean section.
  
  
  METHODS
  Using information available in obstetric records, we conducted a retrospective analysis of data, covering a twelve month period.
  
  
  METHODS
  Harare Maternity Hospital, Zimbabwe
  
  
  METHODS
  All deliveries (17,174 births) occurring from October 1997 to September 1998
  
  
  METHODS
  Stillbirth, preterm births and LBW.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The annual stillbirth rate was 57 per 1000, preterm birth 215 per 1000 and LBW was 243 per 1000 total births. Women delivering stillbirths, preterm births and LBW infants were less likely to attend antenatal care (adjusted relative risk [RR] = 2.56 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 2.18 to 3.00, RR= 3.02 95% CI: 2,77 to 3.29, and RR = 2.38; 95% CI: 1.58-3.60), or to be deliveredby Caesarean section (RR= 0.61; 95% CI: 0.49 to 0.76, RR = 0.68; 95% CI: 0.61 to 0.76 and RR = 0.82; 95% CI: 0.75 to 0.90), but more likely to deliver a breech (RR = 3.17; 95% CI: 2.62 to 3.85, RR = 4.16; 95% CI: 3.72 to 4.64 and RR = 5.34; 95% CI: 4.88 to 5.85), respectively. Stillbirths were more likely to be a preterm birth (RR = 6.53; 95% CI: 5.65 to 7.79) or a LBW infant (RR= 6.42; 95% CI: 5.49 to 7.52).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The annual frequency of poor birth outcomes at Harare Maternity Hospital, which is a referral hospital, also catering for a proportion of patients coming from distant health centers and from rural areas, is high. This high prevalence of birth outcomes is associated with lack of prenatal care, and breech delivery. Infants born too early or small have an increased risk of mortality. Early prenatal care, improved obstetric care, accessibility to care, use of emergency care services, and early access to Caesarean section, could save life, and could assist in reducing the frequency of poor birth outcomes in this population.
authors: Department of Kinesiology, School of Health, Physical Education and Recreation, Indiana University 1025 East 7th Street, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA. sferesu@inidiana.edu
authors: S A
authors: SA
authors: Feresu
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001724:Birth Weight; D001946:Breech Presentation / Q000453:epidemiology; D002585:Cesarean Section / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003906:Developing Countries / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D011247:Pregnancy; D011272:Pregnancy, Multiple / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D047928:Premature Birth / Q000453:epidemiology*; D011295:Prenatal Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012424:Rural Population / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D050497:Stillbirth / Q000453:epidemiology*; D014505:Urban Population / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D055815:Young Adult; D015030:Zimbabwe / Q000453:epidemiology