Stillbirth in relation to mother's country of birth and migration related factors: a population-based registry study

BackgroundMigrant women’s overall increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes is well known. However, the rates varies between the women’s countries of origin and both higher and lower rates compared with women in the... [ view full abstract ]

Background

Migrant women’s overall increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes is well known. However, the rates varies between the women’s countries of origin and both higher and lower rates compared with women in the receiving countries have been reported. Despite improvements in antenatal and intrapartum care in Western countries, stillbirth remains an important subject for research. There is a need to identify migrant women particularly in need of improved maternity care strategies. The aim of the study was to investigate the associations between migration related factors (country of birth, reason for migration, migration status, length of residency, father’s country of birth) and stillbirth in a Norwegian population based sample.

Method

Population-based registry study including births to migrant women (n=198 611) and Norwegian-born women (n=1 156 901) giving birth in Norway between 1990 and 2013. Data was retrieved from the Medical Birth Registry of Norway (MBRN) and Statistics Norway covering approximately 99% of all births in Norway. Crude and adjusted odds ratios with 95 % confidence intervals were estimated by means of multivariable logistic regression analysis, in the total sample and in primiparous and multiparous women separately. Adjustments were made for confounding factors related to socioeconomic status, health in early pregnancy and pregnancy related factors such as parity and gestational age at birth.

Results/Discussion/Conclusion

The results of this study are still preliminary. Final results will be presented and discussed at the conference.

Statement on ethical matters related to the study

The study has gained approval from the Regional Ethic Committee: REF NR: 2014/1278/REK Sør-Øst, Norway.

Statement on funding source for the study

This study was carried out as part of a PhD degree funded by Western Norway University of Applied Sciences.

Preferred presentation mode (oral, poster, workshop or symposium)

Oral presentation.