Abstract:
Background: Stillbirths are among the most common adverse pregnancy outcomes, with 98%
occurring in low-income countries. More than one-third occurs in sub-Saharan Africa. Progress in
reducing the rate of stillbirths has been slow. Accelerated improvements are most needed in the
regions and countries with high stillbirth rates, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa including
Ethiopia.
Objective: The objective of this study was to identify determinants of stillbirth in Jimma medical
center, southwestern Ethiopia, Jimma, Ethiopia
Methods: Unmatched case-control study was conducted from March 1 2022 to August 30, 2022
on a sample of 312 (104 cases and 204 controls). Consecutive and simple random sampling was
used to select the cases and controls, respectively. An electronic semi-structured, interviewer administered questionnaire and patient chart review were done, and Kobotoolbox was used to
collect data. Collected data were exported and analyzed using the software program SPSS Version
25. Binary logistic regression was employed. An adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence
interval was used to declare statistically significant variables on the basis of p-value<0.05 in the
multivariable binary logistic regression model.
Results: Living in rural areas (AOR=2.76, 95%CI 1.06 to 7.17), preceding birth intervals less than
24 months (AOR=4.69, 95%CI 1.82 to 12.81), less than four ANC contacts (AOR=4.87, 95%CI
1.94 to 12.12), hypertension during pregnancy (AOR=4.25, 95%CI 1.42 to 12.68), antepartum
hemorrhage (AOR =4.88, 95% CI 1.82 to 13.14) and referred from another health facility
(AOR=6.54, 95% CI 2.0 to 21.39) were determinants of stillbirth
Conclusions: living in rural areas, previous history of stillbirths, preceding birth interval of less
than 24months, less than four ANC contacts, presence of hypertension during pregnancy, and
presence of antepartum hemorrhage and being referred from another health facility were the
determinants of stillbirth.
