African women delivering in the Maltese Islands are either regular or irregular migrants. The latter group presents significant socio-economic problems. Objective: This study sets out to compare the obstetric outcomes of African-nationals delivering in Malta to the general population. Study design: The obstetric data of three subgroups of women - those from the Maghreb region; the sub-Saharan and Horn of Africa; and the overall population registered for the Maltese Islands were obtained using the computerised National Obstetrics Information System. Results: Women from the sub-Saharan regions were statistically younger than those from the Maghreb region or the general population. African women from both regions were more likely to be multiparous; and were more likely to have experienced a previous perinatal loss. The multiple pregnancy rates were significantly higher in both African groups. Women from the sub-Saharan region were more likely to suffer from sexual and blood-borne infections. African women had lower obstetric intervention rates but higher operative deliveries. Infants born to African women were more likely to be premature and of low birth weight. Conclusion: Women originating from the African continent particularly from the sub-Saharan regions present socio-biological and cultural differences which can contribute towards adverse obstetric and perinatal outcomes. © 2009 - IOS Press and the authors. All rights reserved.

Fetal outcomes Obstetric Maternal complications Anthropology

controlled study multiple pregnancy prematurity female major clinical study immigrant vaginal delivery bloodstream infection Africa instrumental delivery cesarean section perinatal death Article low birth weight pregnancy outcome human adult pregnancy rate