Determinants Of Adverse Birth Outcomes Among Women Who Gave Birth At Public Health Institutions In Woliso Town, Central Ethiopia, 2023: Unmatched Case-Control Study

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.