Preventable feto-infant mortality: application of a conceptual framework for perinatal health surveillance to Manitoba perinatal outcomes

A qualitative evaluation and conceptual framework on the use of the Birth weight and Age-at-death Boxes for Intervention and Evaluation System (BABIES) matrix for perinatal health in Uganda

BACKGROUND

Perinatal mortality (newborn deaths in the first week of life and stillbirths) continues to be a significant global health threat, particularly in resource-constrained settings. Low-tech, innovative solutions that close the quality-of-care gap may contribute to progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals for health by 2030. From 2012 to 2018, the Saving Mothers, Giving Life Initiative (SMGL) implemented the Birth weight and Age-at-Death Boxes for Intervention and Evaluation System (BABIES) matrix in Western Uganda. The BABIES matrix provides a simple, standardized way to track perinatal health outcomes to inform evidence-based quality improvement strategies.

METHODS

In November 2017, a facility-based qualitative evaluation was conducted using in-depth interviews with 29 health workers in 16 health facilities implementing BABIES in Uganda. Data were analyzed using directed content analysis across five domains: 1) perceived ease of use, 2) how the matrix was used, 3) changes in behavior or standard operating procedures after introduction, 4) perceived value of the matrix, and 5) program sustainability.

RESULTS

Values in the matrix were easy to calculate, but training was required to ensure correct data placement and interpretation. Displaying the matrix on a highly visible board in the maternity ward fostered a sense of accountability for health outcomes. BABIES matrix reports were compiled, reviewed, and responded to monthly by interprofessional teams, prompting collaboration across units to fill data gaps and support perinatal death reviews. Respondents reported improved staff communication and performance appraisal, community engagement, and ability to track and link clinical outcomes with actions. Midwives felt empowered to participate in the problem-solving process. Respondents were motivated to continue using BABIES, although sustainability concerns were raised due to funding and staff shortages.

CONCLUSIONS

District-level health systems can use data compiled from the BABIES matrix to inform policy and guide implementation of community-centered health practices to improve perinatal heath. Future work may consider using the Conceptual Framework on Use of the BABIES Matrix for Perinatal Health as a model to operationalize concepts and test the impact of the tool over time.

Perinatal periods of risk: analytic preparation and phase 1 analytic methods for investigating feto-infant mortality

The Perinatal Periods of Risk (PPOR) methods provide the necessary framework and tools for large urban communities to investigate feto-infant mortality problems. Adapted from the Periods of Risk model developed by Dr. Brian McCarthy, the six-stage PPOR approach includes epidemiologic methods to be used in conjunction with community planning processes. Stage 2 of the PPOR approach has three major analytic parts: Analytic Preparation, which involves acquiring, preparing, and assessing vital records files; Phase 1 Analysis, which identifies local opportunity gaps; and Phase 2 Analyses, which investigate the opportunity gaps to determine likely causes of feto-infant mortality and to suggest appropriate actions. This article describes the first two analytic parts of PPOR, including methods, innovative aspects, rationale, limitations, and a community example. In Analytic Preparation, study files are acquired and prepared and data quality is assessed. In Phase 1 Analysis, feto-infant mortality is estimated for four distinct perinatal risk periods defined by both birthweight and age at death. These mutually exclusive risk periods are labeled Maternal Health and Prematurity, Maternal Care, Newborn Care, and Infant Health to suggest primary areas of prevention. Disparities within the study community are identified by comparing geographic areas, subpopulations, and time periods. Excess mortality numbers and rates are estimated by comparing the study population to an optimal reference population. This excess mortality is described as the opportunity gap because it indicates where communities have the potential to make improvement.

Perinatal periods of risk: a community approach for using data to improve women and infants' health

This paper provides an overview of the origins, purpose, and methods of the Perinatal Periods of Risk (PPOR) approach to community-based planning for action to improve maternal and infant health outcomes. PPOR includes a new analytic framework that enables urban communities to better understand and address fetal and infant mortality. This article serves as the core reference for accompanying specific PPOR methods and practice articles. PPOR is based on core principles of full community engagement and equity and follows a six stage community-based planning process. In Stage 1, communities are mobilized and engaged, related planning efforts aligned, and community and analytic readiness assessed. In Stage 2, feto-infant mortality is mapped, excess mortality is estimated, likely causes of feto-infant mortality are determined, and appropriate actions are suggested. Stage 3 produces action plans for targeted prevention strategies. Stages 4 and 5 include implementation, monitoring, and evaluation. Stage 6 fosters political will to sustain efforts. PPOR can be used in local maternal child health (MCH) practice for improving perinatal outcomes. MCH programs can use PPOR to integrate health assessments, initiate planning, identify significant gaps, target more in-depth inquiry, and suggest clear interventions for lowering feto-infant mortality. PPOR enables greater cooperation in improving MCH through more effective data use, strengthened data capacity, and greater shared understanding of complex infant mortality issues. PPOR offers local health departments and their community partners a comprehensive approach to address the health of women and infants in their jurisdictions.

Excess Hispanic fetal-infant mortality in a midwestern community

OBJECTIVE

We assessed excess fetal-infant mortality for Hispanic, non-Hispanic white, and non-Hispanic black populations in five contiguous counties of Missouri and Kansas.

METHODS

We conducted a perinatal periods of risk (PPOR) assessment of fetal-infant mortality using electronic linked birth-death record files from 2001 through 2005. We generated an internal reference group in accordance with established PPOR protocol. We used Kitagawa analysis to determine whether excess deaths were due to birthweight distribution (a higher frequency of prematurity or growth retardation) or to higher mortality rates once born at that birthweight (birthweight-specific mortality).

RESULTS

We found the excess fetal-infant death rates for Hispanic and non-Hispanic white populations to be similar and considerably lower than that for non-Hispanic black populations. Among Hispanic children, we judged 21.6% of fetal-infant mortality to be excess in relation to the reference population. Within the PPOR matrix, Hispanic excess mortality rates were distributed differently from those of non-Hispanic white and non-Hispanic black populations. Among Hispanic children, 93.6% of the excess mortality could be explained by low birthweight and birthweight-specific mortality, with the greatest contribution attributable to low birthweight.

CONCLUSION

The excess fetal-infant mortality experience of Hispanic people in the five-county region was similar to that of the non-Hispanic white population, but was distributed differently in the PPOR model, which has significance regarding interventions targeting reductions in fetal-infant mortality.

Perinatal Periods of Risk Analysis of Infant Mortality in Jackson County, Missouri

The perinatal periods of risk (PPOR) methodology provides an easy-to-use analytical approach to infant mortality that helps focus community initiatives for improving maternal and infant health. Because few analyses have been published, many public health practitioners may be unfamiliar with PPOR. This article demonstrates the application of PPOR analysis using infant mortality in Jackson County, Missouri. While the PPOR consists of two phases, this analysis was restricted to the initial phase of the overall process. The second phase builds on the initial findings and prioritizes the contributing factors of fetal/infant mortality so that targeted interventions can be developed. For Jackson County, the PPOR analysis found that racial and geographic disparities existed and, for very low-birth-weight infants, different interventions strategies may be needed on the basis of race. In addition, a mother who experienced a fetal or infant death was more likely to have had a medical risk factor, to have smoked cigarettes, to have started prenatal care after the first trimester or received no prenatal care, and to have been nulliparous.