Effect of parity on occurrence of some fetal Growth indices and associated factors in gilgel Gibe field research center, southwest ethiopia

Abstract

Background:-Studies in a number of countries have shown that wherever fertility is high maternal, infant and child mortality rates are high. In addition to this, some studies show that parity has direct effect on fetal outcomes, while other studies report that they were not sure about its effect on fetal outcomes. Objective:-To assess the association between parity and fetal growth indices:-Low birth weight (LBW), Macrosomia, and Prematurity at Gilgel Gibe Field Research Center, Southwest Ethiopia. Methods:-Comparative cross sectional study was conducted to assess the association between parity and fetal outcomes; low birth weight (LBW), Macrosomia and Prematurity. Information about parity, LBW, Macrosomia, Prematurity and associated factors was obtained from secondary data in Gilgel Gibe Field Research Center. Descriptive analysis and Generalized estimating equations (GEE) method was used to assess the association between parity and fetal outcomes. In the mean time crude and adjust OR, 95% CI was calculated to assess the magnitude of association in both bivariate and multivariable analysis respectively using SPSS16. Results:-The study analyzed 2,487 births from a total of 2,096 mothers. Of these, 1,079 births (43.4%) were from high parity women and the rest 1,408(56.6%) were from low parity women. The newborn with the outcome of interest were 141 LBW, 522 Macrosomia and 495 premature. High parity has no association with LBW AOR=1.05(95%CI=0.63-1.75), Macrosomia AOR=0.98(95%CI=0.77-1.27) and prematurity AOR=1.01 (95%CI= 0.76-1.34), when compared with low parity. LBW was significantly associated, with maternal income, address baby born, number of live birth at a pregnancy, gestational age of the babies and year of delivery. Macrosomia was found to be significantly associated with sex of the babies and year of delivery. Similarly preterm birth had significant association with maternal age, educational status, address baby born and number of live birth. Conclusion:-Fetal growth indices (LBW, macrosomia and preterm birth), were not found to be significantly associated with high parity. Further studies with similar or different study design on other important maternal factors are recommended