Abstract:
Background: Non-reassuring fetal heart rate patterns are a life-threatening indicator of adverse
fetal outcomes during pregnancy. Early detection and identification of its predictors are essential
to reducing preventable neonatal mortality. Although it is one of the leading causes of neonatal
death, there is limited evidence on non-reassuring fetal heart rate patterns in Ethiopia.
Objective: To assess the magnitude of non-reassuring fetal heart rate pattern and associated factors
among laboring mothers at the public hospitals of wolaita zone in southern Ethiopia.
Methods: A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 334 laboring mothers in
public hospitals of Wolaita Zone from july 1 to 30, 2024. Study participants were selected using a
systematic random sampling technique. The data was collected through an interviewer
administered questionnaire and chart review. The collected data was entered into EpiData version
4.6 and exported to the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26 for analysis.
Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors
associated with outcome variable. In the multivariable logistic regression analysis, adjusted odds
ratios (AOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were reported, and a p-value of <0.05 was used
to determine statistically significant associations with the outcome.
Results: The magnitude of non-reassuring fetal heart rate patterns was 19.2%, with a 95%( CI
15.0, 23.9). labor augmentation [AOR: 3.28, 95% CI (1.72, 6.27)], referred from other healthcare
facilities [AOR: 3.39, 95% CI (1.70, 6.76)], Primigravida [AOR: 2.00, 95% CI (1.07, 3.74)] and
meconium-stained amniotic fluid [AOR: 4.52, 95% CI (2.10, 9.75)] were significantly associated
with non-reassuring fetal heart rate patterns.
Conclusion: The magnitude of non-reassuring fetal heart rate patterns in the study area was high.
Gravidity, referrals from other healthcare facilities, labor augmentation, and meconium-stained
amniotic fluid were significantly associated with it. Healthcare providers should enhance the
monitoring and management of these risk factors during labor, especially for Primigravida, and
mothers referred from other healthcare facilities, to reduce the occurrence of adverse fetal
outcomes.
