Factors Associated With Early Perinatal Mortality in Juba Teaching Hospital, South Sudan; 2018, a Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Studies show that Africa region has the highest perinatal mortality rate with more than 5 times higher than developed countries. In spite of modest improvements of perinatal mortality rate in South Sudan, the country has recorded one of the worst health outcome indicators globally. The aim of this study was to determine factors associated with early perinatal mortality among deliveries at Juba Teaching Hospital, South Sudan. Subjects/Methods: This was a cross sectional study conducted at Juba Teaching Hospital South Sudan, maternity word between 1st July 2018 and 31th August 2018. The study population comprised of mothers and their newborn babies delivered during the study period. Descriptive analysis was conducted to summarize characteristics of participants. Multivariable analysis was conducted using binary logistic regression to identify predictors of early perinatal mortality. Statistical significance was based on a p value of <0.05. Results:There were 278 deliveries and 34 perinatal deaths during the study. Perinatal mortality rate among deliveries at JTH was 122.3 per 1000 live births. The stillbirth rate was 82.7 per 1000 births. Factors associated with early perinatal mortality: Non-formal education (p value <0.001), parity of ≥4 (p value 0.04), with prior history of stillbirth (p value 0.04), mothers <4 ANC visits (p value 0.005), gestational age between 28 to 36 weeks (p value <0.001), low birth weight (p value <0.001), twin birth (p value 0.008), delivery by caesarean section (p value <0.002), and with mal presentation (p value 0.027). Conclusions: The early perinatal mortality rate at JTH was more than two fold higher than the estimated regional perinatal mortality; and level of education, parity, history of stillbirth, ANC visits, gestational age, weight, number of babies delivered, mode of delivery and mal-

presentation were independent predictors. Increased literacy and ANC visits by pregnant mothers can reduce these early perinatal deaths