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Births and perinatal deaths in Mitchell's Plain
South African Medical Journal = Suid-Afrikaanse Tydskrif Vir Geneeskunde
|December 20, 1986
Summary
The stillbirth rate for private patients was significantly lower than for public services in Mitchell's Plain, South Africa. This highlights disparities in perinatal mortality outcomes based on healthcare access.
Area of Science:
- Perinatal Health
- Public Health
- Maternal Health
Background:
- Analysis of births and perinatal deaths in Mitchell's Plain, Cape Town, during 1985.
- 66.4% of births were managed by Peninsula Maternity and Neonatal Service (PMNS), 33.6% by private patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze perinatal mortality rates and associated factors in a specific South African population.
- To compare stillbirth rates between public (PMNS) and private maternity care.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of all births and perinatal deaths.
- Data collected over an 8-month period in 1985.
- Calculation of perinatal mortality rate and stillbirth rate.
Main Results:
- Overall preterm rate was 11.0%; 13.8% of infants had low birth weight (<2,500 g).
- Only 16.1% of mothers booked early for antenatal care.
- Perinatal mortality rate was 22.2/1,000; stillbirth rate was 12.6/1,000.
- Stillbirth rate for private patients (2.8/1,000) was over 6 times lower than for PMNS patients (17.5/1,000).
Conclusions:
- Significant disparities exist in stillbirth rates between private and public healthcare sectors.
- Early booking for antenatal care was low, potentially impacting outcomes.
- Findings suggest a need to address inequities in perinatal care access and quality.