Prevalence and risk factors of intrauterine fetal death among pregnant women at banaadir hospital mogadishu, Somalia

Abstract Background: Intrauterine fetal death (IUFD) embraces all fetal deaths weighing 500grams or more occurring both during pregnancy (antepartum death) and during labor (intrapartum). Objectives : the main objective of this study was to identify prevalence and risk factors of intrauterine fetal death among pregnant women at benadir Hospital in Mogadishu, Somalia Methods : The study design is a case control study, the population of this study involved 143 case and 143 controls The sample population consisted of all pregnant women presenting admitted with IUFD in this health facility, and data a checklist was used to obtain information/data from the maternity, operating theatre registers, Data were analyzed by using (SPSS) version 27.. Results : This staudy found that according to age majority of the respondents 25 (31%) were >35 years, according to risk factors are associated with Intrauterine Fetal Demise (IUFD). Prima gravida mothers exhibit a slightly lower risk of IUFD compared to multi gravida mothers. The distribution between these groups is significant, with a p-value of less than 0.005. Mothers with more than 4 children face a significantly higher risk of IUFD compared to those with 1-4 children, with an odds ratio of 0.16 (p < 0.005). A history of previous IUFD significantly increases the risk of recurrence, with an odds ratio of 2 (p < 0.001). Lack of Antenatal Care (ANC) visits elevates the risk of IUFD, as indicated by an odds ratio of 0.91 (p < 0.005). Conversely, malaria during ANC visits is associated with a lower risk of IUFD, with an odds ratio of 0.4 (p < 0.005). These statistical associations highlight the significance of factors like previous IUFD history, ANC visits, and malaria in influencing IUFD risk. Intrauterine growth retardation and congenital anomalies are also significantly linked to IUFD, further emphasizing the importance of early identification and management of these conditions. Conclusion : Various risk factors influence the incidence of Intrauterine Fetal Demise (IUFD), ranging from maternal characteristics to pregnancy history. Factors such as the number of previous pregnancies, maternal health during pregnancy, and obstetric history play crucial roles in determining the likelihood of IUFD occurrence Discussion This study demonstrates a high burden of IUFD in Benadir Hospital, consistent with findings from other low-income settings. Low maternal education and poor access to healthcare services further worsen outcomes. In Somalia, only a small proportion of women complete the recommended antenatal visits, limiting early detection of complications.