Perinatal mortality in urban slums in Lucknow

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Neonatalogy
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Perinatal mortality remains a significant concern in urban slum populations.
• Understanding demographic and clinical risk factors is crucial for targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the perinatal mortality rate (PNMR) in urban slums of Lucknow.
• To identify key risk factors associated with perinatal mortality in this population.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional survey was conducted across 25 Anganwadi centers in urban Lucknow.
• Data on birth outcomes, gestational age, and maternal factors were collected from January 1992 to March 1993.

Main Results:

• The study recorded 966 births, with a still-birth rate of 37.2 and a PNMR of 59.0 per 1000 births.
• Lower socio-economic status (RR 1.87), bad obstetrical history (RR 2.18), and preterm delivery (<37 weeks, RR 1.95) were significant risk factors.

Conclusions:

• Targeted medical services for women with low socio-economic status, adverse obstetrical history, and preterm deliveries are recommended.
• Focused interventions can potentially reduce the perinatal mortality rate in vulnerable urban populations.