Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 4, 2026
14:43
A Novel Method for Involving Women of Color at High Risk for Preterm Birth in Research Priority Setting
Published on: January 12, 2018
The Auckland Stillbirth study, a case-control study exploring modifiable risk factors for third trimester stillbirth:
Tomasina Stacey1, John M D Thompson, Edwin A Mitchell
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand. t.stacey@auckland.ac.nz
The Australian & New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology
|February 9, 2011
Summary
Stillbirth rates remain high in developed nations, with unexplained cases comprising half of all deaths. This study identified modifiable risk factors for late stillbirth, offering potential for prevention strategies.
Area of Science:
- Perinatal epidemiology
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Public Health
Background:
- Stillbirth rates have stagnated in high-income countries.
- Unexplained stillbirths constitute up to 50% of these tragic outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate modifiable risk factors for late stillbirth (gestation ≥28 weeks).
- To explore maternal health and behavioral factors associated with stillbirth.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study was conducted in Auckland, New Zealand (July 2006 - June 2009).
- Gestation-matched controls with ongoing pregnancies were utilized.
- Data were gathered via face-to-face interviews and clinical records.
Main Results:
- Women with late stillbirth were more likely to be of Pacific ethnicity and have parity of 4 or more.
- Unexplained antepartum death (39.4%) and fetal growth restriction (18.7%) were primary causes.
- Post-mortem examination rates were 47% for all cases and 43% for unexplained deaths.
Conclusions:
- The study employed novel gestation-matched controls with ongoing pregnancies.
- Findings suggest potential for a better understanding of modifiable risk factors for late stillbirth.
- Further investigation into maternal health and behaviors may inform prevention efforts.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Types of Biopharmaceutical Studies: Controlled and Non-Controlled Approaches
Biopharmaceutical studies constitute a vital field aiming to enhance drug delivery methods and refine therapeutic approaches, drawing upon diverse interdisciplinary knowledge. In research methodologies, the choice between controlled and non-controlled studies significantly influences the study's reliability and accuracy.
Non-controlled studies, commonly employed for initial exploration, lack a control group, rendering them susceptible to biases and external influences. In contrast, controlled...
Non-controlled studies, commonly employed for initial exploration, lack a control group, rendering them susceptible to biases and external influences. In contrast, controlled...
01:52Regression Toward the Mean
Regression toward the mean (“RTM”) is a phenomenon in which extremely high or low values—for example, and individual’s blood pressure at a particular moment—appear closer to a group’s average upon remeasuring. Although this statistical peculiarity is the result of random error and chance, it has been problematic across various medical, scientific, financial and psychological applications. In particular, RTM, if not taken into account, can interfere when researchers try to extrapolate results...
01:22Case Studies
There are many research methods available to psychologists in their efforts to understand, describe, and explain behavior and the cognitive and biological processes that underlie it.