Abstract:
Background: Adverse birth outcomes which commonly include; still birth, low birth weight,
prematurity and congenital anomalies are the most significant public health problem which leads
to serious short and long-term health consequences to the mother and the newborn. They are the
major cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality in Ethiopia in general and in the study area in
particular. However, the study area has little information on determinants of it.
Objective: To identify determinants of adverse birth outcomes among women who gave birth at
public health institutions in Woliso town, Central Ethiopia, 2023.
Methods: Institution based un matched case- control study was conducted among women who
gave birth at public health institutions in Woliso town from July 01 - 30, 2023. A total of 332
study participants with 83 cases and 249 controls were included. A convenience and systematic
random sampling procedure were employed to select cases and controls respectively. Data were
collected by using structured and pretested interview administered questionnaire and chart
review. Data were entered into Epi info version 7.25 and exported to SPSS version 25 for
analysis. Variables with p-value < 0.25 in the bivariable analysis was entered into multivariable
logistic regression model for analysis. Statistical significance was declared at p-value < 0.05.
Adjusted odds ratio along with 95% confidence interval was used to measure the strength of
associations. The results were presented using texts, tables and graphs.
Results: ANC follow up less than four visits (AOR=4.99, 95%CI:1.98-12.59), Hemoglobin less
than 7g/dl(AOR=6, 95%CI: 2.10-17.07), Mid Upper Arm Circumference(MUAC) less than
23cm(AOR=3.39, 95%: 1.33-8.62), Pregnancy Induced Hypertension(AOR=4.49, 95%: 1.76-
11.42) and Women who referred from other health facilities(AOR=2.38, 95%CI: 1.04-5.43) were
determinants of adverse birth outcomes.
Conclusion and recommendations: ANC follow up less than four visits, Hemoglobin less than
7g/dl, Mid Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) less than 23 cm, Pregnancy Induced
Hypertension and Women who referred from other health facilities were the determinants of
adverse birth outcomes. A Coordinated effort should be taken to improve ANC follow up with
special emphasis to maternal nutrition, early screening of anemia and pregnancy induced
hypertension, and monitor early referral in case of complications.
