Perinatal mortality in urban and rural areas in Poland in 2002-2012.

AIM: The aim of this study was to analyze the level and trends of perinatal mortality by mother's place of residence (urban vs rural area) in Poland in 2002-2012.

MATERIAL AND METHOD: This study was based on the data of the Central Statistical Office on the number of live births, infant deaths (0-6 days) and stillbirths by mother's place of residence (urban vs rural area), reported in 2002-2012 in 16 provinces and Poland in general. Joinpoint model was used to analyze perinatal mortality rate trends over time and average annual percent change (APC). Urban/rural ratio was employed to demonstrate the differences in perinatal mortality between urban and rural areas.

RESULTS

In the period analyzed, perinatal mortality in Poland decreased by 3.4% (p<0.05) and 2.7% (p<0.05) per year in urban and rural areas, respectively. Having considered urban areas, perinatal mortality rate was decreasing at the fastest pace in the following provinces: Pomorskie (APC) = -6.6%, p<0.05), Warmińsko-Mazurskie (APC) = -5.4%, p<0.05), Lubuskie i Świętokrzyskie (APC = -4.5%, p<0.05) while for rural areas - Dolnośląskie (APC = -4.3%, p<0.05), Wielkopolskie, Zachodniopomorskie (APC = -3.7%, p<0.05) and Śląskie (APC = -3.2%, p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

In the study period, a decrease in perinatal mortality was reported in Poland, both in urban and rural areas. The level of perinatal mortality rate as well as the pace of these changes differed between provinces.