Bulletin of Stomatology and Maxillofacial Surgery
ISSN 1829-006X
2025; 107–116
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UNDERSTANDING THE DETERMINANTS OF STILLBIRTH IN RURAL SOUTH AFRICA: PERSPECTIVES FROM FRONTLINE MATERNAL HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS

Simbarashe Magaisa*

Received: 2026-04-08 · Published: 2025-07-08

© 2025 The Author(s) and the original publisher.

CC BY-NC 4.0 This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
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Original title
UNDERSTANDING THE DETERMINANTS OF STILLBIRTH IN RURAL SOUTH AFRICA: PERSPECTIVES FROM FRONTLINE MATERNAL HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS
Author
Simbarashe Magaisa
Source journal
Bulletin of Stomatology and Maxillofacial Surgery
Published
2025-07-08
Licence
Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International
Original
https://doi.org/10.58240/1829006X-2025.2-107

Abstract

Background. Stillbirth remains a significant public health concern in South Africa, particularly in rural districts where maternal healthcare systems face critical challenges. Understanding the determinants of stillbirth from the perspectives of frontline healthcare providers is essential for improving pregnancy outcomes. Materials and methods. This qualitative exploratory study was conducted in the Lejweleputswa District. In-depth interviews were carried out with midwives, professional nurses, and medical officers working in antenatal and obstetric care units. Thematic analysis was applied to the interview transcripts to identify key factors influencing stillbirth. Results. Findings revealed a multifaceted interplay of socio-economic disparities, inadequate healthcare infrastructure, staff shortages, late antenatal booking, and systemic delays in emergency responses. Participants also noted the influence of traditional beliefs and patient non-compliance as indirect contributors to stillbirth risk. Conclusion. The study highlights the need for a multidimensional framework that addresses both health system deficiencies and community-level barriers to reduce stillbirth rates and improve maternal health outcomes. These findings have important implications for policy development, targeted healthcare provider training, and the redesign of maternal health interventions in underserved rural regions.
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