DETERMINANTS OF HYPEREMESIS GRAVIDARUM AMONG WOMEN ATTENDING IN PUBLIC HOSPITAL WOLAITA ZONE, SOUTHERN ETHIOPIA

Abstract

Introduction: Hyperemesis gravidarum is a debilitating disorder characterized by severe and persistent nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. It poses challenges for pregnant women and can have negative effects on maternal and fetal health. Understanding the risk factors for hyperemesis gravidarum is important for timely intervention and improved outcomes. However, previous studies in Ethiopia have not fully explored all relevant variables associated with hyperemesis gravidarum. This study aims to fill this gap by investigating additional key variables that may contribute to hyperemesis gravidarum in the study areas. Objective: To identify the determinants of hyperemesis gravidarum among women attending public hospitals of Wolaita zone, Southern Ethiopia, 2023. Method: Facility-based unmatched case-control study design was conducted from March 13 - May 10, 2023GC, with a case to control ratio of 1:2. Cases were defined as women with hyperemesis gravidarum while controls were women who had no hyperemesis gravidarum. Both were selected using consecutive sampling techniques. Data were collected through interviews using a structured questionnaire and after entered to Epi data manager version 3.1 statistical analysis have been performed using SPSS version 26. Binary logistic regression was used to assess association between variables, p- value < 0.25on bivariable analysis directly exported to assess multivariable analysis, and p-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significance. The strength of association was measured by Adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence intervals. Result: Residency in urban areas (AOR=2.71,95%CI:[1.45, 5.08]),experiencing an unplanned pregnancy (AOR=2.63,95%CI:[1.60,4.33]), positive for Helicobacter pylori infection(AOR= 5.41,95%CI:[2.86,10.24]),having a family history of hyperemesis gravidarum (AOR=3.68,95 CI:[1.96,6.91]), perceiving low social support (AOR=5.31,95%CI:[2.65,10.62]), and experie ncing moderate to high levels of perceived stress (AOR=4.03,95%CI:[2.30,7.04]), and (AOR =6.61,95%CI:[3.11,14.01]) are determinants of Hyperemesis gravidarum in this study. Conclusion and recommendations: The results revealed that residing in urban areas, experiencing an unplanned pregnancy, having a family history of Hyperemesis gravidarum, being infected with Helicobacter pylori, perceiving low social support, and experiencing moderate to high levels of perceived stress were associated with an increased risk of developing Hyperemesis gravidarum. It is recommended to promote a healthy lifestyle among pregnant women in urban areas, provide education on family planning, screen for Helicobacter Pylori infection, and offer strong social and psychological support to reduce stress levels during pregnancy