Determinants of stillbirth among women who gave birth at Hiwot Fana Specialized University Hospital, Eastern Ethiopia: A facility-based cross-sectional study

Abstract

Introduction/objectives: Stillbirths are an adverse birth outcome and a significant public health problem in low- and high-income countries. Ethiopia is ranked seventh among ten countries that constitute 66% of the world’s stillbirths. However, there is a dearth of evidence about stillbirths and the determinants in the country, particularly in Eastern Ethiopia. Hence, this study aimed to assess the prevalence and determinants of stillbirths among women who gave birth at Hiwot Fana Specialized University Hospital, Eastern Ethiopia. Methods: We conducted a hospital-based cross-sectional study among women who gave birth from October to December 2017. The study participants were selected through a systematic random sampling method. We collected the data using a pretested questionnaire through face-to-face interviews and maternal medical record reviews. The multi-variable logistic regression model was applied to identify the determinants with adjusted odds ratios at a 95% confidence interval. Statistical significance was declared at a p-value less than 0.05. Results: Five hundred fifty-five women were included in the study, and 6.7% ((95% confidence interval = 4.7%, 9.2%)) experienced a stillbirth. Previous history of adverse birth outcome (adjusted odds ratio = 9.55; 95% confidence interval = (4.37, 20.85), p = 0.003), multiple pregnancies (adjusted odds ratio = 7.04; 95% confidence interval = (2.12, 23.40), p = 0.000), and spontaneous vaginal delivery (adjusted odds ratio = 0.17; 95% confidence interval = (0.05, 0.51), p = 0.002) were the identified determinants of stillbirth. Conclusion: The prevalence of stillbirth in this study was similar to previous reports in the country. Early detection and treatment of complications among mothers with multiple pregnancies and prior history of adverse outcomes are vital to alleviate the problem.