Adverse Birth Outcomes and Associated Factors among Iron-Folic Acid Supplements User and Non-user Women in Public Hospitals, Harari Region, Eastern, Ethiopia: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study

2024-01-25T15:56:21+00:00

Background: Iron folic acid supplementation is a routine component of prenatal care that is an effective strategy for preventing adverse birth outcomes. However, its relationship with adverse birth outcomes is poorly understood, particularly in developing countries such as Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to determine adverse birth outcomes and associated factors among iron-folic acid supplement users and non-user women in public hospitals in Eastern Ethiopia.

Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted on 512 (341 iron folic acid users and 171 non-users) consecutively selected women who gave birth in two public hospitals in the Harari region. Data were collected through interviews and complemented by reviewing medical records. Data was analyzed using the statistical package for social science version 24. Factors associated with adverse birth outcomes were identified using the multivariable binary logistic regression model. A P-value less than 0.05 is taken as a cut-off to determine statistical significance.

Results: The adverse birth outcomes among non-iron folic acid users and users were 53% (95% CI: 45.0, 61.0) and 16% (95% CI: 12.0, 20.0), respectively. Oligohydramnios (AOR=5.76; 95%CI: 1.56,21.25), spontaneous onset of labor (AOR=0.06; 95%CI: 0.04, 0.68), and induction of labor (AOR=0.20, 95%CI 0.05-0.90) were adverse birth outcomes among iron folic acid users, whereas anemia (AOR=3.38; 95%CI: 1.43, 7.98), pregnancy-induced hypertension (AOR=4.50; 95%CI: 1.61, 12.58), and maternal long working hours (AOR=1.27; 95%CI: 1.07, 1.50) were associated with adverse birth outcomes among non-iron folic acid users.

Conclusions: In this study, adverse birth outcomes are higher among non-iron folic acid users. Anemia, pregnancy-induced hypertension, and long working hours were significant associations with adverse birth outcomes among non-iron folic acid users. Early screening and treatment of pregnancy-related complications and health education regarding iron-folic acid supplements during antenatal care should be strengthened.

Hypoglycemia and Associated Factors among Neonates Admitted to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Eastern Ethiopia

2024-02-05T18:17:35+00:00

Background: Neonatal hypoglycemia is the most frequent metabolic disease in newborn infants worldwide; yet, published data on the magnitude of neonatal hypoglycemia and associated factors in Ethiopia is sparse. As a result, the purpose of this study was to investigate the severity of hypoglycemia and associated factors in neonates admitted to Hiwot Fana Comprehensive Specialized University Hospital in Eastern Ethiopia.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 316 newborns admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit from November 2021 to February 2022. Data were collected using pretested, structured questionnaires and random blood glucose measurements. The data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 21.0. An adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to measure the strength of the association, and a P-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: The overall magnitude of hypoglycemia in the neonates was 27.8% (95% CI: 23.1, 32.6). Very low birth weight (AOR= 3.32; 95% CI: 1.01, 10.83), macrosomia (AOR= 8.16; 95% CI: 2.52, 26.38), preterm birth (AOR= 2.52; 95% CI: 2.01, 8.38), birth at 32–34 weeks (AOR= 1.98; 95% CI: 1.73, 6.57), late preterm birth (AOR= 2.58; 95% CI: 1.16, 5.56), hypothermia (AOR= 2.90; 95% CI: 1.44; 5.36), perinatal asphyxia (AOR= 5.30; 95% CI: 5.23; 9.64), pregnancy-induced hypertension (AOR= 2.18; 95% CI: 1.15, 4.21), and infants of diabetic mothers (AOR= 4.30; 95% CI: 1.32, 14.03) were significant predictors of neonatal hypoglycemia.

Conclusion: One in four neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit had hypoglycemia. Hence, early detection and treatment of hypothermia, perinatal asphyxia, and maternal pregnancy-induced hypertension and diabetes, as well as monitoring blood glucose in high-risk neonates, are crucial to minimizing the burden of neonatal hypoglycemia.

East African Journal of Health and Biomedical Sciences

Adverse Birth Outcomes and Associated Factors among Iron-Folic Acid Supplements User and Non-user Women in Public Hospitals, Harari Region, Eastern, Ethiopia: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study

Hypoglycemia and Associated Factors among Neonates Admitted to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Eastern Ethiopia