Perinatal Health in Martinique. Results of the 2021 National Perinatal Survey in the French Overseas Departments and Regions (ENP-DROM 2021)

Objective – To describe the main indicators of the health status of women and children at birth and two months after birth in Martinique, and to compare them with those recorded in mainland France and in the other overseas departments and regions (DROM). Method – The 2021 ENP survey was conducted nationwide for one week from March 15 to 21, 2021, and for fourteen weeks in Martinique from March 15 to June 20, 2021. All births occurring in public and private maternity wards during the study period were included. Results – In Martinique, 834 births were recorded in the 2021 ENP-DROM. The proportion of women who were overweight or obese before pregnancy changed little between 2016 and 2021, but remains a serious concern as it affects more than one in two women. Tobacco use is less common than in mainland France: 5.4% of pregnant women smoke in the third trimester of pregnancy, compared to 12.2% in mainland France. The psychological well-being of women was assessed through this survey, and the results are mixed: 57.6% of them report being happy to be pregnant, and 39.4% report having felt sad, depressed, or hopeless for two consecutive weeks during pregnancy, compared to 25.6% in mainland France. The preterm birth rate fell from 11.9% in 2016 to 8.6% in 2021 (a non-significant decrease); however, it remains higher than that of mainland France (7%). This downward trend is, however, confirmed by PMSI data: the rate of preterm births among live-born infants fell from 9.7% in 2010 to 7.7% in 2019. The rate of exclusive breastfeeding in maternity wards increased from 63.2% in 2016 to 76.6% in 2021 (versus 56.3% in mainland France). Conclusion – Many perinatal indicators remain unfavorable in Martinique. Nevertheless, the 2021 ENP-DROM study has shown certain positive trends since 2016 and very positive developments, particularly regarding breastfeeding, which remains very high in Martinique, as well as low tobacco use. In the coming years, it will be essential to fully incorporate the results of this study to develop public policies tailored to the local context, particularly regarding psychological support and social assistance for pregnant women and new mothers.

Author(s): Rosine Jacques, Lebreton Élodie, Daudens-Vaysse Élise, Ruster Ludmila, Demiguel Virginie, Regnault Nolwenn

Publishing year: 2023

Pages: 142 p.

Collection: Studies and Surveys

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