Determinants of Stillbirths among Mothers Who Gave Birth at Jimma Medical Center, Jimma, Southwest Ethiopia; a Case-Control Study.

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.