Abstract:
Neural tube defects account for most congenital anomalies of the central nervous
system. Globally, it is estimated that approximately 300,000 babies are born each year with
Neural tube defects, resulting in approximately 88,000 deaths and 8.6 million disability-adjusted
life years. Despite the national burden of the disease, studies that assess the national magnitude
and their associated factors are limited. As far as our knowledge, no previous study is present to
determine the magnitude of neural tube defects and their associated factors in the study area.
Objective: This study aims to determine the magnitude of neural tube defects and their
associated factors among neonates admitted to neonatology unit at Hiwot Fana Specialized
University Hospital, Harar, Ethiopia from December 15, 2019 to February 15, 2020
Method: A hospital-based cross-sectional study will be employed. All neonates and their
respective mothers who are admitted to HFSUH neonatal unit during the study period will be
included with non-probability convenience sampling technique. Sample size will be 420. Data
will be collected using a structured questionnaire, entered into Epi Data version 4.1, transferred
and analyzed using SPSS version 21.0 software. Descriptive statistics including frequency and
proportions, means will be calculated. The odds ratio at 95% confidence interval will be used to
check for the strength of the association between dependent and independent variables.
Statistically significant will be declared at P-value < 0.05.
Expected outcome: High prevalence of neural tube defect will be expected from this study since
previous studies from developing countries show a high prevalence of neural tube defect
