PREVALENCE AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS OF NAUSEA AND VOMITING IN PREGNANCY AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN IN HARARGHE HEALTH AND DEMOGRAPHIC URVEILLANCE SYSTEM, EASTERN ETHIOPIA

Abstract

: Nausea and vomiting in pregnancy (NVP), ranging from minor morning sickness to the most severe form affects women during pregnancy with significant morbidities and socioeconomic impacts. Because of the focus on maternal mortality and severe morbidities, NVP received less attention with regard to research and counseling. Prior studies in Ethiopia were limited to hospital based and may not reflect the population-level estimates. Objective: To assess the prevalence and associated factors of NVP among pregnant women participating in the Hararghe Health and Demographic Surveillance System, Eastern Ethiopia from July 1 to 15, 2021. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study design was conducted among 502 pregnant women randomly selected from the ongoing Hararghe Health and Demographic Surveillance System. A structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data on sociodemographic conditions, nausea, and vomiting-related conditions and their associated factors. Data were entered into EpiData 4.6 and exported to SPSS 25 for analysis. Descriptive statistics, bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis were performed. All covariates with a p-value < 0.25 in the bivariable logistic regression analysis were entered into a multivariable logistic regression analysis after checking for multicollinearity and model of fitness. Association was described using adjusted odds ratio (AOR) along with its 95% confidence interval (CI) using Statistical significance was declared at p-value < 0.05 in the multiple logistic regression. Result: Of 502 pregnant women approached, 495 (98.6%) were included in the study. The prevalence of nausea and/ or vomiting in pregnancy was 70.3, (95% CI 66.5 -74.3). Primigravida [AOR: 5.57; 95%CI: 2.57-12.05], multigravida [AOR: 3.58; 95%CI: 2.08-6.14] family history of nausea and vomiting [AOR: 3.23; 95%CI: 1.96-5.43], and no exercise before pregnancy [AOR: 6.20; 95%CI: 3.53-10.87] were positively associated with NVP whereas women with planned pregnancy were less likely [AOR: 0.50; 95%CI: 0.30-0.84] to have it. Conclusion: Seven out of ten pregnant women reported having NVP. Nausea and vomiting were more likely among primi and multigravida, women with a family history of NVP, and those with no exercise before pregnancy. Advice on life modification, early treatment, and provision of family planning are essential for relieving the symptom and preventing further complications.