Perinatal mortality in Jeddah, Saudia Arabia

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Public Health
• Neonatology

Background:

• Perinatal mortality remains a significant public health concern globally.
• Estimating perinatal mortality rates and identifying associated risk factors are essential for targeted interventions.
• Previous data on perinatal mortality in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, indicated high rates.

Purpose of the Study:

• To estimate the perinatal mortality rate (PMR) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
• To identify antenatal and intrapartum risk factors associated with perinatal mortality.
• To provide data for improving maternal and child health services.

Main Methods:

• A hospital-based case-control study was conducted over a 40-week period in 1987-1988.
• The study included 323 perinatal deaths (cases) and 486 controls.
• Data were collected on demographic factors, pregnancy complications, and delivery outcomes.

Main Results:

• The perinatal mortality rate (PMR) in Jeddah decreased to 31.4 per 1000 live and stillbirths in 1987-1988.
• Independently associated risk factors for perinatal death included low birth weight, labor complications, ethnic origin, and advanced maternal age (≥35 years).
• Direct causes of death included low birth weight, mechanical labor issues, antepartum hemorrhage, and neonatal infections. A significant proportion (36.5%) of both cases and controls received no antenatal care.

Conclusions:

• While the PMR has declined, significant risk factors for perinatal death persist in Jeddah.
• The high rate of perinatal mortality and inadequate antenatal care utilization highlight the need for enhanced prenatal surveillance.
• Improvements in obstetric services and neonatal care management are recommended to further reduce perinatal mortality.