ABSTRACT
Background: Stillbirths constitute a major part of perinatal death, and India ranks first in absolute number of stillbirths. The causes of stillbirth differ in different parts of the world and are affected by fetomaternal factors and type of antenatal and intrapartum care. The objective of this study was to evaluate the stillbirth rate as well as the aetiology and risk factors for stillbirths in our institute.Methods: All stillbirths delivered at or above 28 weeks of gestation or weighing more than 1000 gms in P. D. U. Medical College and Hospital, Rajkot during study period of 1 year were enrolled in the study. The stillbirth rate of the institute was studied. Socio-demographic, maternal and fetal factors of stillbirth cases were analysed.Results: Stillbirth rate of our institute was 41.63 per 1000 births. 70% cases belonged to rural region and 48% cases were referred to our hospital from other institutes. Stillbirth was found more in multigravida women with 67.2% cases. 57.01% stillborn babies were males, 34.71% of stillborns had extremely low birth weight and were pre-term. 54.78% stillborns were macerated. In 24.8% cases, aetiology of stillbirth was unknown. Antepartum haemorrhage contributed 19% cases, asphyxia -16.8% cases and pre-eclampsia-12.1% cases of stillbirth in our study.Conclusions: Proper screening and antenatal and intrapartum supervision and timely referral to the tertiary care centre can play an important role in decreasing the rate of stillbirths.
ABSTRACT
Background: Reproductive tract infections (RTI), including sexually transmitted infections (STI), impose a burden of mortality & morbidity through their impact on reproductive & child health, resulting in serious economic, social & psychological consequences. Appropriate treatment of RTI/STI in combination with health education is of major public health importance. Objectives: To study prevalence of STI & factors affecting STIs among married women of reproductive age group in rural area of Parol Primary Health Centre under Thane district. Materials & Method: A community based, cross-sectional study was carried out among 415 married women of reproductive age group selected by stratified simple random sampling from each villages of respective sub centres of Parol PHC for a period of one year. Results: Of the surveyed women (415), prevalence of STI symptomatically was 39% & clinically 32.3%. The most common presenting symptom was vaginal discharge (42%) followed by Burning Micturition (24.7%), Vulval itching (17.3%), Lower abdominal pain (12.3%) & Genital ulcer (3.7%). Out of 415 surveyed women, 49.3% women were diagnosed as having cervicitis & 50.7% women were diagnosed as PID clinically. Almost more than half of the symptom-positive women were of 25-34 years of age. The prevalence of STI decreased with the level of education. Higher prevalence of STI was found in lower socio-economic group, women living in joint families, those having more number of children & women who were using reused cloth during menstruation. Conclusion: In view of the higher prevalence of STI among rural women, primary health care level needs to be strengthened in respect of reproductive health & awareness about reproductive health issues should be raised through suitable communication in order to bring about a positive behaviour change.