Adverse birth outcome and associated factors among mothers with antepartum hemorrhage in public hospitals Tigray, northern Ethiopia, 2020.

BACKGROUND

Adverse birth outcome is a major public health problem in the world and in Ethiopia. Antepartum hemorrhage complicates 3-5% of pregnancies and is a primary cause of perinatal and maternal mortality worldwide. One in five of all preterm babies are born in association with antepartum hemorrhage. Preterm birth, low birth weight and asphyxiated babies are at high risk for mortality, morbidity and developmental problems Thus, the aim of this study was to assess adverse birth outcomes and associated factors among mothers with antepartum hemorrhage in Tigray public hospitals, northern Ethiopia.

METHODS

Institution based cross sectional study design was conducted from February to April 2020 among randomly selected 309 charts of mothers with chart completeness of 95.4%. A simple random sampling technique was used to select hospitals and charts of study participants. A Pretested check list was used to collect data. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20. Logistic regression was computed and variables which have a P-value less than 0.2 on bivariable analysis were taken to multivariable analysis. A P-value of less than 0.05 and 95% confidence level was used as a cut-off point for statistical significance in multivariable analysis.

RESULTS

The magnitude of adverse birth outcome was 46.3% at 95% CI and 15.2% of the neonates were admitted to neonatal intensive care unit due to preterm birth and low birth weight. Rural residence [AOR = 2.16, 95%CI (1.069, 4.38)], three and below antenatal care follow-up visits [AOR = 6.6, 95%CI (3.345,13.10)], bad obstetric history [AOR = 2.8, 95%CI (1.044,7.691)], and having less than or equal 11 g/dl hemoglobin level at admission were [AOR = 3.7,95%Cl (1.93,6.914)] found as predictors of adverse birth outcome in this study.

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION: adverse birth outcomes were higher in magnitude and the higher public health problem in the Tigray region. Predictors could be minimized by strengthening antenatal care follow up, ensuring early arrival to health institution, and focusing on rural area.