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Public and political awareness of pregnancy loss

The public awareness of stillbirth: an Irish population study

Irish population study shows low public awareness of stillbirth incidence, risk factors and causes.

Authors
Daniel Nuzum, Sarah Meaney, Keelin O'Donoghue
Year
2018
Journal Name
British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology (BJOG)
Category
Journal Article
Keywords
Awareness / Knowledge, Stillbirth
Project
The spiritual and professional impact of stillbirth
Full Citation
Nuzum D, Meaney S, O'Donoghue K. The public awareness of stillbirth: an Irish population study. British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. 2018;125(2):246-252. https://doi.org/10.1111/1471-0528.14939.
Link to Publication
https://doi.org/10.1111/1471-0528.14939

Abstract

This study aimed to find out what the general public know about the risk factors associated with stillbirth and whether stillbirth can be prevented. Many stillbirth risk factors can be identified and when they are, healthcare professionals can monitor pregnancy and hopefully reduce the possibility of a baby dying before birth. A sample of 999 people from the Irish population was surveyed by a professional telephone polling company for this study. The results of this study found that most people did not know how common stillbirth was and also believed that only a minority could be prevented. Most people were not able to identify any risk factors. Most people knew someone who had had a stillbirth and likewise most people believed that all stillbirths should be investigated to find a cause. This study highlights the importance of increasing public awareness about stillbirth by providing clear information to women and their partners that there are risk factors associated with stillbirth that can be identified and monitored. The results of this study suggest that these risk factors could be highlighted in antenatal preparation classes and public health campaigns.

Pregnancy Loss Research Group

Pregnancy Loss Research Group, Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University College Cork, Fifth Floor, Cork University Maternity Hospital, Wilton, Cork, T12 YE02, Ireland,

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