Abstract:
Background: Stillbirth represents a tragedy and a potential loss of life. Beyond the physical
consequences, there are numerous psychosocial impacts on parents, including anxiety, long-term
depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, and stigmatization. Reducing the burden of stillbirth may be
hampered by an incomplete understanding of the risk factors leading to the majority of stillbirths.
Therefore, this study aimed to identify predictors of still birth among women who gave birth in south
Gondar zone public hospitals.
Method: Institution based unmatched case-control study design was conducted from may/2024-october 30
/2024 among 720 (180 cases and 540 controls) study participant. Multi-stage sampling technique were
carried out to select study participants/chart of women. The data were collected by using pre-tested data
extraction checklist. The collected data were coded and entered in to epi-data 4.5 and exported to STATA
14 for analysis. Descriptive statistics were performed using tables, frequences, graphs, and measure of
locations to describe the characteristics of study participants. To identify predictors of stillbirth both bivariable
and multivariable logistic regression model were fitted and variables whose p-value < 0.05
declared statistically significant.
Result: In this study, being referred from other health facility [AOR=16, 95% CI 8.5-32.8], inadequate
ANC follow up [AOR=3, 95% CI 1.72-5.44], Anemia [AOR =4.7, 95% CI 2.37-9.4] ,hypertensive
disorder of pregnancy [AOR= 4.7, 95%CI 1.02-12.6], Assisted breach delivery [AOR=5.2, 95%CI 1.714.2],Preterm
delivery [AOR=4.5, 95% CI 1.7-11.5],and Grand multipara[AOR=3.2, 95% CI [1.28.5]were
determinants
of
stillbirths
in
the
study
area.
Conclusion: The determinants of stillbirth in the study area were being referred from other health facility,
Utilization of ANC follow up, Anemia, Hypertensive disorder of pregnancy, assisted breach delivery,
Preterm delivery and Grand multipara. Therefore, strengthening maternal health services, particularly in
rural areas, is essential to address referral delays and ensure timely access to emergency obstetric care.
Enhancements of maternal care for mothers who presented with anemia, hypertensive disorder, preterm
labor, as well as mothers with breach presentation
