Obstetric morbidity and socio-demographic factors in rural West Bengal, India

Abstract

The impact of selected socio-demographic factors on reported obstetric morbidity during antepartum and postpartum periods was studied through a cross-sectional retrospective survey carried out in rural areas of three districts of West Bengal, India. During their most recent live births, 56.6% of mothers reported at least one morbid condition. Mothers with higher levels of education reported fewer overall problems. Factors such as age and pregnancy order affect obstetric morbidity differently in different religious groups. More mothers reported postpartum than antepartum problems, and very few sought treatment. The present study provides an insight into various factors affecting obstetric morbidity in a developing country.