Intrapartum-Related Stillbirths and Neonatal Deaths in Rural Bangladesh: A Prospective, Community-Based Cohort Study

OBJECTIVE: Using a low-cost community surveillance system, we aimed to estimate intrapartum stillbirth and intrapartum-related neonatal death rates for a low-income community setting. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From 2005 to 2008, information on all deliveries in 18 unions of 3 districts of Bangladesh was ascertained by using traditional birth attendants as key informants. Outcomes were measured using a structured interview with families 6 weeks after delivery. RESULTS: We ascertained information on 31 967 deliveries, of which 26 173 (82%) occurred at home. For home deliveries, the mean cluster-adjusted stillbirth rate was 26 (95% confidence interval [CI[: 24-28) per 1000 births, and the perinatal mortality rate was 51 per 1000 births (95% CI: 47-55). The NMR was 33 per 1000 live births…