Incidence and causes of stillbirth in the only tertiary referral hospital in the Solomon Islands: a hospital-based retrospective cohort study

Abstract

Objectives Stillbirth is a major global health issue, which disproportionately affects families living in low-income and middle-income countries. The Solomon Islands is a Pacific nation with poor perinatal outcomes, however research investigating stillbirth is lacking. Thus, we aimed to investigate the incidence and cause of stillbirth occurring at the National Referral Hospital, Solomon Islands.Design We conducted a retrospective cohort study from January 2017 to December 2018.Setting At the only tertiary referral hospital in the Solomon Islands, on the main island of Guadalcanal.Participants All births occurring in the hospital during the study period.Outcome measures Number of, causes and risk factors for stillbirths (fetal deaths before birth at ≥20 estimated gestational weeks, or ≥500 g in birth weight).Results Over 2 years 341 stillbirths and 11 056 total births were recorded, giving an institutional incidence of 31 stillbirths per 1000 births. Of the cases with a recorded cause of death, 72% were deemed preventable. Most stillbirths occurred antenatally and 62% at preterm gestations (<37 weeks). 59% had a birth weight below 2500 g and preventable maternal conditions were present in 42% of the cases. 46% of the cases were caused by an acute intrapartum event, and among these 92% did not receive intrapartum monitoring.Conclusions Stillbirth affects 31 in every 1000 births at the National Referral Hospital in the Solomon Islands and many cases are preventable. Our findings highlight the urgent need for increased focus on perinatal deaths in the Solomon Islands with universal classification and targeted training, improved quality of obstetrical care and community awareness.