1КНАГ, 2ЭМШИУС-ийн АУС-ийн Эх барих, эмэгтэйчүүдийн тэнхим, 3ЭМШИУС-ийн НЭМС
Background: Stillbirths are estimated to account for more than half of the world's perinatal deaths, but only a fraction are registered in any health information system. From a public health perspective, there is a need for information on timing and circumstances of death, associated conditions and underlying causes, and availability and quality of care. The objective of this study was to quantify the level of underestimation of stillbirths and to analyze possible factors that contribute to underreporting and misclassification of stillbirths in Ulaanbaatar.
Materials and methods: A retrospective review of secondary data (including patient medical records) of the three maternity hospitals and National Center for Maternal and Child Health and reported statistics of the City Health Department. The study included all births (live and stillbirths) born between 2007 and 2010 from 22 gestational weeks and onwards.
Results: According to health statistics the registered stillbirths and perinatal mortality cases have increased during the study period because of increased numbers of total births. In the last 5 years, 1138 stillbirths were allocated as miscarriages, therefore were not registered and not reported. For the five years, on average, the rate of underreporting of stillbirths is 58.3%. Underreported and misclassified stillbirths are more likely for small gestational age (21-28 weeks) and lower birth weights (500-1500 grams).
Conclusions: This study shows the limitations of official vital registration and concludes that dependence on stillbirths reporting alone to identify stillbirths is incomplete and incorrect in the country.
