Strengths and Limitations
This was the first study investigating causes of stillbirth in the
Solomon Islands. We were also able to successfully apply ICD-PM
classification system to the stillbirths recorded in our study,
demonstrating its potential for utilisation in this setting.
Our study was limited by its retrospective nature and incomplete data.
Second, this study is an underrepresentation of all stillbirths that
occur at a national level as we have only included data from the
hospital-setting and did not include those which within the community or
peripheral centres. Third, the accuracy of gestational age was limited
due to the lack of routine dating ultrasounds. Finally, adequate
registration of stillbirths relies on ascertainment of cause of death,
which remained unspecified in many of our antepartum deaths due to
inadequate and incomplete documentation.