DETERMINANTS OF ADVERSE NEONATAL BIRTH OUTCOMES AMONG MOTHERS WHO GAVE BIRTH IN PUBLIC HOSPITALS OF WOLAITA ZONE, SOUTH ETHIOPIA 2024 PRINCIPAL INVESGETOR: ESHETU ISRAEL

Abstract

Background: Adverse birth outcomes, characterized by negative health consequences for mothers and newborns during pregnancy, labor, or delivery, encompass a range of conditions including low birth weight, preterm birth, congenital anomalies, macrosomia, birth asphyxia, meconium aspiration syndrome, stillbirth, neonatal death …etc. With over 15 million premature births and 1.9 million stillbirths occurring globally each year, understanding the factors contributing to these outcomes is critical. This study aims to identify the determinants of adverse birth outcomes among mothers delivering in public hospitals within the Wolaita zone of southern Ethiopia. By examining these determinants, the research seeks to inform interventions that could improve maternal and neonatal health in this region. Methods: A facility-based case-control study was conducted from July 1 to September 30, 2024. A total of 534 participants (178 cases and 356 controls) were selected using consecutive sampling. Cases were women who experienced at least one adverse neonatal birth outcome, while controls were women with normal live births. Data was collected using a pretested, interviewer administered questionnaire. The data entered using Epi Data 4.6, analyzed using SPSS version 26. Bivariate and multivariable analyses were performed to identify determinants of adverse birth outcomes, with a significance level set at p < 0.05. Result: Five hundred thirty-four participated in the study with a response rate of 98.31%. The result of the multivariable analysis showed that, Rural residence [9.797(5.318-18.048)], PROM [2.524(1.044-6.105)], Pregnancy induced hypertension [3.966(1.402-11.224)], Being anemic [1.968(1.250-3.100)] and lack of maternal waiting area [6.003(2.106-17.111)] had statistically significant association with adverse neonatal birth outcomes. Conclusion and recommendation: The study's findings reveal that rural residency, PROM, Pregnancy Induced Hypertension, anemia and maternal waiting had significantly associated with adverse birth outcomes. As a result, healthcare providers should implement standardized monitoring techniques for early identification and intervention, ensuring timely access to health care and resources for at-risk mothers to improve neonatal health outcomes.