Are Fresh Stillbirths from Caesarean Sections Associated with Socioeconomic Status? A Case Control Study at the University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka, Zambia

Introduction: Stillbirths occur worldwide at a rate of 3.2 million per year. There is however lack of interest in stillbirths especially those from caesarean sections. The discrepancy of high stillbirth rates from caesarean sections in low to middle-income countries as compared to developed countries may indicate the influence of socioeconomic status. This study was designed to investigate if socioeconomic status is associated with caesarean section fresh stillbirths. Methods: The study involved 330 women who underwent emergency caesarean sections from October 2013 to August 2014. Of these, 110 were cases and 220 were controls. Data collection was done using an interviewer-administered questionnaire in the immediate postoperative period. Results: Low socioeconomic status was associated with increased odds of caesarean section fresh stillbirths. The association was however not statistically significant.