title: Perinatal health care in a conflict-affected setting: evaluation of health-care services and newborn outcomes at a regional medical centre in Iraq.
abstract: A field-based assessment was conducted to assess maternal and newborn health-care services, perinatal and newborn outcomes and associated risk factors at Bint Al-Huda Maternal and Newborn Teaching Hospital, a large referral hospital in southern Iraq. The multi-method approach used interviews, discussions, observation and review of perinatal and newborn outcome data. There is limited assessment of maternal vital signs, labour pattern, fetal response, and complications during pregnancy and labour. Perinatal and neonatal mortality rates are 27.4/1000 births and 30.9/1000 live births respectively. Associated neonatal mortality factors were gestational age < 37 weeks, male sex, birth weight < 2.5 kg, maternal age > 35 years, rural maternal residence and vaginal delivery. Improving birth outcomes in southern Iraq requires evidence-based clinical guidelines, additional supplies and equipment, quality improvement initiatives and in-service training.
authors: Bint Al-Huda Maternal and Child Teaching Hospital, Dhi Qar Governorate, Nasiriyah, Iraq.
authors: F A B
authors: FA
authors: Ahamadani
authors: Division of Global Health and Human Rights, Department of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
authors: H
authors: H
authors: Louis
authors: Division of Global Health and Human Rights, Department of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
authors: P
authors: P
authors: Ugwi
authors: Division of Global Health and Human Rights, Department of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
authors: R
authors: R
authors: Hines
authors: MGH Institute of Health Professionals, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Pomerleau
authors: Division of Global Health and Human Rights, Department of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
authors: R
authors: R
authors: Ahn
authors: Division of Global Health and Human Rights, Department of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
authors: T F
authors: TF
authors: Burke
authors: Division of Global Health and Human Rights, Department of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Division of Global Health, Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
authors: B D
authors: BD
authors: Nelson
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006769:Hospitals, General; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D007493:Iraq; D008297:Male; D008427:Maternal Health Services; D020380:Needs Assessment; D018743:Perinatal Care; D011247:Pregnancy; D036301:Qualitative Research; D014857:Warfare; D055815:Young Adult