Author/Authors :
Ahamadani, F.A.B. Bint Al-Huda Maternal and Child Teaching Hospital, Iraq , Louis, H. Massachusetts General Hospital - Department of Emergency Medicine, Division of Global Health and Human Rights, USA , Ugwi, P. Massachusetts General Hospital - Department of Emergency Medicine, Division of Global Health and Human Rights, USA , Hines, R. Massachusetts General Hospital - Department of Emergency Medicine, Division of Global Health and Human Rights, USA , Pomerleau, M. MGH Institute of Health Professionals, USA , Ahn, R. Massachusetts General Hospital - Department of Emergency Medicine, Division of Global Health and Human Rights, USA , Ahn, R. Harvard Medical School, USA , Burke, T.F. Massachusetts General Hospital - Department of Emergency Medicine, Division of Global Health and Human Rights, USA , Burke, T.F. Harvard Medical School, USA , Nelson, B.D. Massachusetts General Hospital - Department of Emergency Medicine, Department of Pediatric, Division of Global Health and Human Rights, Division of Global Health, USA , Nelson, B.D. Harvard Medical School, USA
Abstract :
A field-based assessment was conducted to assess maternal and newborn health-care services, perinatal and newborn outcomes and associated risk factors at Bint Al-Huda Maternal and Newborn Teaching Hospital, a large referral hospital in southern Iraq. The multi-method approach used interviews, discussions, observation and review of perinatal and newborn outcome data. There is limited assessment of maternal vital signs, labour pattern, fetal response, and complications during pregnancy and labour. Perinatal and neonatal mortality rates are 27.4/1000 births and 30.9/1000 live births respectively. Associated neonatal mortality factors were gestational age 37 weeks, male sex, birth weight 2.5 kg, maternal age 35 years, rural maternal residence and vaginal delivery. Improving birth outcomes in southern Iraq requires evidence-based clinical guidelines, additional supplies and equipment, quality improvement initiatives and in-service training.
