Predictors of Perinatal mortality in rural population of northwest Ethiopia: A community based nested case control study

Background: Perinatal mortality is a serious challenge in meeting the maternal and child MDGs in developing countries. Identifying its predictors is an important step to develop focused and appropriate health interventions for reducing perinatal deaths. This study was aimed at identifying predictors of perinatal mortality in a rural setting in northwest Ethiopia. Methods: Nested case control study design was conducted at Dabat health demographic surveillance site northwest Ethiopia, from November, 2009 to August, 2011. Data were collected by interviewing the mother/guardian of eligible children. Multivariable binary logistic regression was employed to identify potential predictors. Results: The perinatal mortality rate in the study population was 50.22 per 1000 (95% CI: 39.99 – 60.46) total births. In a Multivariable analysis, history of previous still birth (AOR = 8.38, 95% CI: 3.94-17.83), twin birth (AOR = 7.09, 95% CI: (3.22-15.61), not receiving tetanus toxoid vaccine during the index pregnancy (AOR=3.62,95% CI: 1.578.34), and short birth interval of less than 24 months (AOR = 2.58, 95% CI: (1.61 4.13), illiterate mothers (AOR=4.83, 95% CI:(1.45–16.05) and maternal occupation own business (AOR=5.40, 95% CI: 1.4027.96) were the main predictors associated with increased risk of perinatal death. Conclusions and Recommendations: Predictors of perinatal death in the study area are easily recognizable and potentially preventable with the existing maternal health programs. Efforts need to be intensified for expanding maternal and newborn health services to significantly reduce perinatal mortality in rural settings.