title: A case-control study of risk factors for fetal and early neonatal deaths in a tertiary hospital in Kenya.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  It is important to understand the risk factors for fetal and neonatal mortality which is a major contributor to high under five deaths globally. Fetal and neonatal mortality is a sensitive indicator of maternal health in society. This study aimed to examine the risk factors for fetal and early neonatal mortality at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Kenya.
  
  
  METHODS
  This was a case-control study. Cases were fetal and early neonatal deaths (n = 200). The controls were infants born alive immediately preceding and following the cases (n = 400). Bivariate comparisons and multiple logistic regression analyses were undertaken.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The odds of having 0-1 antenatal visits relative to 2-3 visits were higher for cases than controls (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) = 4.5; 95% CI: 1.2-16.7; p = 0.03)). There were lower odds among cases of having a doctor rather than a midwife as a birth attendant (AOR = 0.2; 95% CI: 0.1-0.6; p < 0.01). The odds of mothers having Premature Rupture of Membranes (AOR = 4.1; 95% CI: 1.4-12.1; p = 0.01), haemorrhage (AOR = 4.8; 95% CI: 1.1-21.9; p = 0.04) and dystocia (AOR = 3.6; 95% CI: 1.2-10.9; p = 0.02) were higher for the cases compared with the controls. The odds of gestational age less than 37 weeks (AOR = 7.0; 95% CI 2.4-20.4) and above 42 weeks (AOR = 16.2; 95% CI 2.8-92.3) compared to 37-42 weeks, were higher for cases relative to controls (p < 0.01). Cases had higher odds of being born with congenital malformations (AOR = 6.3; 95% CI: 1.2-31.6; p = 0.04) and with Apgar scores of below six at five minutes (AOR = 26.4; 95% CI: 6.1-113.8; p < 0.001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Interventions that focus on educating mothers on antenatal attendance, screening, monitoring and management of maternal conditions during the antenatal period should be strengthened. Doctor attendance at each birth and for emergency admissions is important to ensure early neonatal survival and avert potential risk factors for mortality.
authors.forename: Faith
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Yego
authors.forename: Catherine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: D'Este
authors.forename: Julie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Byles
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Nyongesa
authors.forename: Jennifer Stewart
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Williams
mesh_terms: D016022:Case-Control Studies; D036861:Delivery, Obstetric / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D046689:Fetal Mortality; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007226:Infant Mortality; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007630:Kenya; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008880:Midwifery; D011247:Pregnancy; D011295:Prenatal Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012307:Risk Factors; D062606:Tertiary Care Centers