Determinants of Preterm Birth among Mothers Who Gave Birth at Shiek Hassan Yabare Referral Hospital in Jigjiga Town, Eastern Ethiopia: Unmatched Case-Control Study

Abstract

Background: Preterm delivery can cause cognitive impairment, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, neurocognitive deficits, and poor academic performance in children. All of these problems lead to poor quality of life and long-term health effects. Despite significant reductions in neonatal mortality in Ethiopia, preterm birth rates remain high.

Objective: To identify the determinants of preterm birth among mothers who gave birth at Sheik-Hassen Yebere Jigjiga University Referral Hospital

Method:  An unmatched case-control study design was employed among 381 mothers (127 cases and 254 controls) who delivered at Sheik-Hassen Yebere Jigjiga University Referral Hospital between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2019. The medical records were randomly selected using a computer-generated simple random sampling method. Both bivariate and multivariable logistic regression models were used, and independent predictors were determined based on adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals and a p-value of less than 0.05.

Result: A total of 381 charts were reviewed, 127 cases, and 254 controls. The mean gestational age was 32.5+2.57SD and 39+2.57SD weeks for preterm and term respectively. History of less than or equal to 4 ANC visits (AOR 6.426 CI 3.1-13.202), male fetus (AOR 2.04, 95% CI 1.2-5.2), reside in rural areas (AOR 2.51, 95% CI 1.4-6.74), maternal hemoglobin level <11mg/dL (AOR 3.32, 95% CI 1.4- 13.2), neonates who had congenital birth defects (AOR 3.491 CI 1.4.4-8.681) were significantly associated with preterm birth.

Conclusion: Factors such as having less than or equal to 4 ANC visits, maternal hemoglobin level <11mg/dL, being a male fetus, having congenital birth defects, and living in rural areas, were found to contribute to preterm birth. So, it is important to encourage pregnant women to regularly take iron and folic acid supplements and to attend their scheduled antenatal care visits. In addition, improving healthcare accessibility in rural regions is crucial.