FACTORS INFLUENCING HIGH PREVALENCE OF FRESH STILL BIRTHS IN MBAGATHI COUNTY HOSPITAL, NAIROBI - KENYA.

Background: The annual global burden of stillbirths is approximately 2.6 million, 98% of which occur in Sub Saharan Africa. In 2016, approximately 24 still births per month occurred in Mbagathi County Hospital (MCH) representing a 33.3% increase from 2015. A third of these were Fresh Still Births (FSBs). Objectives: To establish factors influencing increase in FSB among women delivering at MCH. Methodology: The study was conducted at MCH postnatal ward. A descriptive cross sectional study design was employed. Forty three respondents with FSBs were consecutively sampled. Clearance to conduct the study was sought from Ethics Review Committee, MCH and respondents. Researcher administered questionnaires were used for data collection over two months. Descriptive data involved calculation of measures of central tendency. Findings were presented in tables, graphs and narrative. Results: A majority of the respondents were less than 20 years old, had low education level and were unemployed. Also the biggest proportion had preterm deliveries; prolonged premature rupture of membranes, had medical conditions and attended antenatal care less than four times. Most of the FSBs had complications and were delivered preterm. The facility had inadequate staffing, lacked prompt triaging equipment, and rarely used partograph to monitor labor. Conclusion: Maternal, fetal and hospital related factors influenced high prevalence of FSB. Recommendations: Improve uptake of focused antenatal care among women. Need for girl child empowerment in line with Sustainable Development Goal 5. Improve midwife to patient ratio, develop protocol regarding triaging and labor monitoring. Avail hospital equipment for proper maternity care.