Factors associated with reduced foetal movements in Iringa, Tanzania

Introduction: Maternal perception of foetal movement ensures foetal wellbeing. Reduced foetal movement is associated with foetal hypoxia, stillbirths, and intrauterine foetal growth restriction (IUFGR). This study aimed at assessing factors that are associated with maternal perception of reduced foetal movements. Method: This was a cross-sectional study that was conducted at Iringa Regional Referral Hospital from 1st January ­ 30th June 2022. A purposive sampling technique was used, and SPSS version 25 software was used for data analysis. Results: 41.3 % of study participants were aged 24 ­ 34 years, with a mean and SD of 29.08 ±7.53. 75% were not employed, 52.8 % of study participants delivered from 37 ­ 42 weeks of gestational age, 66.1% had a posterior placenta and only 24.0 % had an anterior placenta. Women who delivered at 28 ­ 36 weeks of gestational age were about 4 times more likely to experience reduced foetal movement compared to those who delivered at 37 ­ 42 weeks of gestation (AOR=4.162, 95% CI 2.174 - 7.966, p= =0.0067). Conclusion: Reduced foetal movements are associated with lower gestation age at delivery and decreased antenatal clinic attendance in Iringa, Tanzania. All pregnant women should be encouraged to make early antenatal clinic attendance and should attend adequate visits. Healthcare providers should educate and create awareness on methods of assessing foetal movements.

The effect of Female Genital Mutilation on perineal injuries among women in labour in Dodoma Region, Tanzania

Introduction: Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is widespread in Tanzania and poses a risk when women give birth.Objective: To determine the association between FGM and perineal injury among women in labour in DodomaMethods: A matched case-control study of 364 randomly selected consenting women in labour was conducted in Dodoma Region between January 2017 and June 2018. Controls (no perineal injury) were matched to the cases (with perineal injury) based on maternal age at a ratio 2:1 making a sample of 243 controls and 121 cases. FGM and perineal injury was directly observed during labour using WHO guidelines. Data were analysed by using SPSS version 20 for Window (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Frequency tables were generated and bivariate analyses were conducted. The association between FGM and perineal injury was determined using chi-squared statistics.Results: Of the 364 women were investigated 40.4% (n=147) were circumcised and 59.6% (n=217) were not. There was a significant association between FGM and perineal injury (p=0.001).Conclusion: The FGM rate was high. FGM (total and Type II) was significantly associated with perineal injury