Somaliland women’s perception of stillbirth - a descriptive survey study

Background: Somali women, not only those living in Somaliland but also abroad as asylum seekers and refugees, are highly vulnerable terms of perinatal health outcomes. Respectful supportive care is critical for all women when stillbirth occurs improving bereavement reducing the stigma that surrounds global priorities. Culturally- context-specific approaches build on an understanding needs giving birth to a stillborn baby, no matter where or why, required. Objective: This study aims investigate analyze women’s experiences stillbirth, including their perceived reasons losing unborn premonitions they had before psychosocial support from healthcare professionals relatives. Methods: A descriptive retrospective was conducted at Borama regional hospital Somaliland. study-specific questionnaire developed gathered personal information data topics related stillbirth. Women who either experienced been referred there after 2015 were approached 75 agreed participate study. Results: Most multiparas previous Before having it confirmed baby longer alive most woman reported felt fetal movements premonition something wrong. The common cause prolonged labour followed by ‘big baby’. Thirty-three (44%) important know eight feeling angry disappointed (11 %) with providers assisted them during labour, birth, post-partum, although 41 (55%) satisfied treatment. third blamed themselves majority spoke others about it. Conclusions: Our results show share similar perceptions high income countries. raises implications antenatal preventive interventions stressed need respond concerns regardless background, context setting. maternal approach equal its application must be established enable give relevant both cultural setting elsewhere world Somali-born live birth.