Determinants of stillbirth in hospitals of North Shoa Zone, Oromia region, Central Ethiopia: A case control study

Background: World Health Organization defined stillbirth as birth of fetus at 28 weeks or above gestation with a birth weight of >= 1000 g or body length of >= 35 cm. Majority of stillbirths occur in low and middle income nations. Efforts made in Ethiopia to improve maternal and child health are showing encouraging results, even though the magnitude didnt reach the expected level. Identification of determinants of stillbirth is quite substantial to apply further meaningful actions. Objective: To assess the determinants of stillbirth in hospitals of North Shoa Zone, Oromia region, Central Ethiopia. Method: Institution based unmatched Case control study was conducted from March 01 to May 30/2019 among 342 women who gave birth in Fitche, Kuyu, Gundomeskel, and Muketurihospitals. Sample size was calculated by using Epi-info version 7.1.1 software package. Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 25 was used to analyze the data. Descriptive statistics, bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were conducted. Variables having P-value <= 0.05 in multivariable logistic regression were considered as statistically significant. Result: Type of labor (AOR = 3.79, 95%CI = 1.53, 9.38), duration of labor (AOR = 3.59, 95% CI = 1.53, 8.33), mal-presentation (AOR = 3.45, 95%CI = 1.99, 9.8), preeclampsia/eclampsia (AOR = 4.58, 95%CI = 1.45, 14.48) and birth defect (AOR = 3.05, 95%CI = 1.31, 7.1) were found to be the determinants of stillbirth. Conclusion and recommendation:Causes of still birth in more than two third of the cases were identified. Type of labor, duration of labor, mal presentation, preeclampsia/eclampsia were identified as determinants of stillbirth from mothers' side while birth defect was found to be determinant of stillbirth from fetal side. Heath care providers, policy makers, and other stakeholders, should focus on identified factors to combat problems associated with still birth.

Automated summary

The study identified determinants of stillbirth in hospitals in Central Ethiopia, with factors including type of labor, duration of labor, mal-presentation, preeclampsia/eclampsia, and birth defect being key influencers. Recommendations were made for healthcare providers, policymakers, and stakeholders to focus on these identified factors to address issues related to stillbirth.