Abstract:
Background: Globally, syphilis remains a major cause of reproductive morbidity and poor pregnancy outcomes, and its incidence is increasing in different parts of the world, including low-income countries like Ethiopia. According to studies, untreated infections might result in adverse birth outcomes such as congenital syphilis, stillbirth, preterm birth, or low birth weight. Particularly in the study area, the magnitude and associated factors of adverse birth outcomes were not thoroughly investigated.
Objectives: To assess the magnitude of adverse birth outcomes and associated factors among syphilis sero-positive women attending public health facilities in Woliso Town, 2023.
Methods: A facility-based cross-sectional study design was used. Data collection was conducted from April 10 to May 10, 2023, among 204 sero-positive women attended public health facilities from January 2017 to December 2022. Data was extracted from existing medical records and the antenatal care log book registry by using simple random sampling technique. Then, by using a structured questionnaire, the data was collected after filling the checklist. The collected data were entered into Epi Info version 7.2.2.6 statistical software and exported to SPSS version 20 statistical package for analysis. A binary logistic regression model was used to identify the association between dependent and independent variables. Crude and adjusted odds ratios were used for each explanatory variable with a 95% confidence level and Hosmer-Lemeshow Goodness-of-fit-test was done to check model fitness. Variables with p-value <0.25 in bi-variable analysis were entered into the multivariable logistic regressions. On multivariable logistic regressions, variables with a p-value of <0.05 were considered to declare statistically significant association. after checking for multi-collinearity interaction by using Variance Inflation Factor (VIF).
Results: In the study area, the magnitude of adverse birth outcomes among syphilis sero-positive women was 16.2% with [95% CI: 11.3, 21.6]. Previous history of stillbirth [AOR=0.108, 95% CI: (0.031, 0.379)], and treatment status [AOR=14.561, 95% CI: (3.325, 63.758)] were factors significantly associated with adverse birth outcomes.
Conclusion:This study found that, the magnitude of adverse birth outcomes among syphilis sero-positive women in this area was relatively low. Previous history of stillbirth and treatment status for syphilis were factors significantly associated with adverse birth outcomes.
