PERINATAL-MORTALITY IN A NORTHERN NIGERIAN RURAL-COMMUNITY

87 perinatal deaths which occurred out of 1484 births in a rural area of Northern Nigeria over a 9 month period were reviewed. The perinatal mortality rate was 58.6 per 1000 births. Babies born to very young ad olescent mothers aged between 10-14 years had the highest perinatal mo rtality of 375 per 1000 births. Statistically significant relationship s were also established between perinatal mortality and parity, educat ional status of the mother and birth weight. The leading cause of peri natal death was birth trauma which accounted for 48% of all perinatal deaths. Strategies for the reduction of perinatal mortality in the rur al community are highlighted.