Q2. What is the main support mechanism for those who have had a stillbirth?
In these contexts, interventions designed to improve emotional and informational support might depend on enhancement of community esteem for those who have had a stillbirth, especially through key religious groups.
Q3. What were the only positive factors reported by respondents from Malawi?
The only positive factors reported by respondents from Malawi were basic physical care and brief information giving from nurses, which were seen as surprising but welcome occurrences.
Q4. How many studies were found to be more effective in reducing the negative effects of stillbirth?
In four studies,76–78,82 staff reported more confi dence and comfort, with fewer negative eff ects, when they had more direct clinical experience with stillbirth.
Q5. What are the costs of stillbirth in high-income countries?
In high-income countries (HICs) with lower stillbirth rates, prevention costs are greater than they are in LMICs—eg, smoking cessation costs $125 961 per stillbirth averted.
Q6. How many studies were included in the analysis of interventions to maximise wellbeing for bereaved parents?
After screening, studies were identifi ed by whether they met the inclusion criteria and reported relevant information, three studies reported information on direct costs, 144 studies reported on the psychological and social eff ect on parents, 20 studies reported psychological eff ect on professionals, and 42 studies were included in the analysis of interventions to maximise wellbeing for bereaved parents.
Q7. What were the frequent indirect costs for parents after stillbirth?
The most frequent indirect costs for parents after stillbirth were for the funeral and burial or cremation of their baby (appendix).
Q8. What was the need for esteem support for family members?
The need for esteem support for family members was particularly apparent, including recognition of continuing status as father or co-mother, sister or brother, and grandparent, even after the death of the baby that created these social roles.
Q9. How many studies showed the risk of traumatic stress?
Seven studies showed the risk of vicarious traumatic stress, and depressive and psychological symptoms such as guilt, self-blame, self-doubt, and grief.
Q10. What is the common reason for stillbirths?
In extreme circumstances, this situation has led to spousal abuse, enforced divorce, and rejection by family and society, partly based on beliefs that women who have stillbirths are possessed by evil spirits or have procured abortions.
Q11. How many parents were given information about support groups or services?
In the three surveys14,30 (panel 2) on parents that were analysed in this paper, 54–93% of parents in HICs were given information about support groups or services compared with 12% of parents in MICs.
Q12. What did the staff report feeling about stillbirth?
In six studies,76–81 staff also reported feeling some positive gains, such as a sense of honour or privilege at being able to support parents experiencing the death of their baby.
Q13. What did the study show about the effects of stillbirth?
This fi nding showed that fathers, siblings, and female partners need to be acknowledged and included in interventions, to mitigate their experiences of the negative eff ects of stillbirth.
Q14. What are the main health metrics that have neglected stillbirth?
For the most part, health metrics, such as quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs), have neglected stillbirth.
Q15. How many mothers and 5% of partners reported issues after stillbirth?
In the Listening to Parents study, 9% of mothers and 5% of partners reported diffi culties in their relationship 9 months after the event, and a similarproportion reported issues with other family members (12% of mothers and 4% of partners).