Adverse Birth Outcome and Associated Factors among Newborns Delivered In Public Health Institutions, Southern Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: Adverse birth outcomes are big public health problems in developing nations. However, there is limited information on it in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study was aimed to assess the magnitude of adverse birth outcomes and associated factors among newborns delivered in public health institutions of Kembata Tembaro Zone, Southern Ethiopia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 770 delivery records from January 31 to February 15, 2017 in randomly selected health facilities of the zone. A systematic random sampling method was used to select individual record. Data were collected by using pretested checklist and analyzed by Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) for further analysis. Logistic regression analysis was carried out to identify factors associated with adverse birth outcomes. Results: The magnitude of adverse birth outcome was 13.9% (95% CI: 11.1, 16.1). Lack of antenatal care follow-up (AOR=11.13; 95% CI: 3.2, 30), mal-presentation (AOR=6.08; 95% CI: 1.8,19.9) ruptured membrane at admission (AOR=2.5; 95% CI: 1.42, 4.49), substandard monitoring of fetal heart beat (AOR=2.7; 95% CI: 1.47, 5.3), urine test not done for protein and ketone (AOR=2.13; 95% CI: 1.09, 4.16), antepartum hemorrhage (AOR=8.08; 95% CI: 2.62; 24.91), pregnancy induced hypertension (AOR=8.42; 95% CI:2.48,28.54) and premature rupture of membrane (AOR=6.19; 95% CI: 1.74, 21.94) were factors associated with adverse birth outcomes. Conclusion: Adverse birth outcomes are significant health problem. Lack of antenatal care follow-up, pre mature rupture of membrane, lack of standard fetal heart beat monitoring, absence of urine for protein and ketone tests, presence antepartum hemorrhage and hypertension were identified factors. Therefore, strengthening antenatal care followup and proper medical care during pregnancy and delivery period are recommended.

Keywords: Adverse Birth Outcomes; Public Health Institutions; Southern Ethiopia