Optimising delivery models for evidence-based interventions to reduce stillbirth in Punjab, India: a study protocol...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Implementation Science
• Maternal and Neonatal Health

Background:

• Stillbirth remains a significant global health issue, disproportionately affecting India.
• High stillbirth rates (SBRs) persist due to challenges in healthcare access, quality, and delivery of maternal and neonatal care.
• Existing interventions have not fully addressed the complex factors contributing to stillbirths in India.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and implement a context-specific, optimized model to reduce stillbirth rates in Sangrur district, Punjab.
• To identify barriers and facilitators for optimizing maternal and neonatal care service delivery.
• To provide evidence for scalable and adaptable interventions in low-resource settings.

Main Methods:

• A 3-year mixed-methods implementation research study using a sequential explanatory design.
• Data collection via baseline/endline surveys, verbal autopsies, direct observations, and qualitative interviews.
• Intervention focused on preconception, antepartum, and intrapartum care, alongside health system strengthening, utilizing a plan-do-check-act model.

Main Results:

• The study anticipates a 25% reduction in stillbirth rates through optimized antenatal and intrapartum care.
• Expected to yield critical evidence on factors influencing service delivery and stillbirth outcomes.
• The research will generate insights into health system and community dynamics impacting maternal and neonatal health.

Conclusions:

• The developed model offers a scalable and adaptable framework for reducing stillbirths in resource-limited settings.
• Findings will inform maternal and neonatal health policies in India.
• The study provides a blueprint for implementing similar interventions in other regions to combat stillbirths.