The correlation between healthcare infrastructure quality and stillbirth incidence in Lejweleputswa Municipality
Simbarashe Magaisa, Nirmala DorasamyBACKGROUND:
Stillbirth remains a major public health concern in South Africa, particularly in under-resourced rural districts such as the Lejweleputswa Municipality. Despite national interventions, stillbirth rates remain high. This study examined the correlation between healthcare infrastructure quality and stillbirth incidence to identify structural determinants influencing fetal mortality.
MATERIALS AND METHODS:
A quantitative, cross-sectional correlational design was applied in selected hospitals and clinics across the Lejweleputswa Municipality. Variables assessed included staffing levels, availability of emergency obstetric equipment, facility cleanliness, antenatal service provision, and recorded stillbirth rates. Data from 358 participants were collected using validated questionnaires and clinical records, and analyzed in SPSS v26 using Pearson correlation and multiple regression.
RESULTS:
Healthcare infrastructure quality showed a significant inverse association with stillbirth incidence. Facilities with adequate staffing, reliable obstetric equipment, and consistent antenatal services recorded lower stillbirth rates (
CONCLUSION:
Stillbirth incidence in Lejweleputswa is strongly correlated with healthcare infrastructure readiness. Strengthening rural infrastructure including reliable utilities, upgraded obstetric equipment, and adequate human resources is essential for reducing fetal mortality and achieving South Africa’s maternal health and Sustainable Development Goal targets.