Rain intensity and place of delivery in Rufiji District of Tanzania

Amon Exavery, Ifakara Health Institute (IHI)

Background: Does rain intensity – heavy rains, and dry or less rains – influence access to health facilities for childbirth? Methods: Data compiled by the Rufiji Health and Demographic Surveillance System (HDSS) from 2007 to 2010 on all births with complete information on where they occurred, as well as their corresponding maternal and household characteristics were selected. The study area experiences heavy rains during the months of February to May, and less rains during October–December. A dry season is experienced during January, and then June–October. Logistic regression was used for data analysis. Results: 7,244 births were recorded, of which 74.5% occurred in health facilities. The odds of facility delivery was significantly 35% higher during dry or less rains compared to that of heavy rains (OR=1.35, 95% CI 1.08–1.68). Conclusion: Institutional delivery in Rufiji district is seasonal, with a small but significant better access during dry or less rains.