PREVALENCE OF NEURAL TUBE DEFECT AND ASSOCIATED FACTOR AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN DELIVERED OR ABORTED AT HIWOT FANA COMPREHENSIVE SPECIALIZED UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL, EASTERN ETHIOPIA

Abstract

Background: Several congenital malformations affect developing fetuses, among which Neural tube defect (NTD) is most common potentially preventable cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality. Worldwide, around 10% of infant mortalities are due to nervous system defects. It was estimated that approximately 300,000 babies are born each year. It remains a major problem in developing countries in eastern parts of Ethiopia there is very limited published data regarding the prevalence and associated factors Objective: To determine prevalence of neural tube defect and associated factor among pregnant women delivered or aborted at Hiwot fana comprehensive specialized university hospital from September 01- October 31, 2021. Methods: A Hospital-based cross-sectional study was employed and sampling technique was used to select study participants. Data processing and analysis was done using Epidata 4.6 and using SPSS statistical software version 25. Bivariate analysis was performed to assess the factors associated neural tube defect. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess strength of association between each independent variable with outcome variable. The significance of association between dependent and independent variables was declared using odds ratio with 95% confidence interval and P-value <0.05. Results: The magnitude of NTD among mothers delivered or aborted at HFUSH were 45(7.1%, CI (5.2, 9.3). The predictors of neural tube defects were having history of stillbirths [AOR=2.77(1.00, 7.66)], drink alcohol during preganancy [AOR=10.27(1.98, 53.16)], consangious marriege [AOR=5.97(2.07, 17.02)], exposed to radiation during pregnancy [AOR=6.84(1.42, 32.9)]. Conclusion:The magnitude of NTD among mothers delivered or aborted at HFUSH were high. Predictors of NTD were being rural residence, parity of between two and five, having history of still birth, having history of early neonatal death, not having history of COC use, drug use during pregnancy, coffee intake during pregnancy, drink Alcohol during pregnancy, consanguinity, exposure to radiation during pregnancy, having passive smoker, and exposure to toxin chemicals during pregnancy. So, the Ministry of health and Harari Regional Health Bureau should work together on advocacy and designing for initiation of preconception care services and implement the new ANC visit recommended by World Health Organization by 2016. The Physician or health care provider should be conscious when order x-ray without sheild and prescribe drug during pregnancy. The pregnant mother should also counseled about the impact of drinking alcohol and exposure to chemical toxin on the pregnancy.