Causative Factors of Stillbirth Prevalence Among Rural Dwellers in Ojo Local Government Area, Lagos State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated causative factors of the prevalence of stillbirth among rural dwellers in Ojo Local Government Area, Lagos State, Nigeria. A total number of two hundred (200) respondents was selected for the study. Four (4) research hypotheses were tested and data were collected with the use of a self-structured “Prevalence and Causes of Stillbirth Questionnaire (PCSBQ)” which comprised 16 items. The questionnaire was drawn on the basis of a four-point Modified Likert Scale. The data collected in this study was analyzed using frequency count, percentage and Chi-square (χ2), and conclusions were drawn from the findings. Findings indicated that Socioeconomic factors (χ2 = 55.13, p = 0.001<0.05 at 90), Maternal diseases (χ2 = 48.91, p = 0.001<0.05 at 90), utilization of antenatal care services (χ2 = 22.35, p = 0.001<0.05 at 90), and Prolonged obstructed labour (χ2 = 102.13, p = 0.001<0.05 at 90) have significant causes on the prevalence of stillbirth among rural dwellers in Ojo Local Government Area of Lagos State, Nigeria. The study recommended that there is a need for regular workshops and seminars for pregnant women and nursing mothers who go for prenatal and post-natal care to be duly informed about the prevalence and causative factors of stillbirth. Also, efforts on campaign disseminating information on early utilization of antenatal care services should be intensified by the government. This study will be of benefit to the Nigerian government on the prevalence and causes of stillbirth among rural dwellers across the states.