Adverse birth outcome and associated factors among women who gave birth in hospitals of East Gurage Zone, Central Ethiopia: multicenter cross sectional study

Abstract

Adverse birth outcome are the most common and major public health concerns globally and their prevalence is high, especially in low and middle-income countries. Despite the Ethiopian healthcare policy, which tried to transform the healthcare system to reduce and prevent adverse birth outcomes, the burden of adverse birth outcomes is still a public health concern. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the adverse birth outcome and associated factors among women who gave birth in the hospitals of East Gurage Zone, Central Ethiopia, 2025. A cross-sectional study was undertaken from October 08 to December 08, 2025 among mothers who gave birth in hospitals of East Gurage Zone, Central Ethiopia. Data were collected by using pre-tested questionnaire through face-to-face interview and chart review. Statistical Software for Social Sciences version 25.0 was used for analysis. Both bivariable and multivariable logistic regression were done. P-value and Adjusted Odds Ratio along with its 95% CI were used for measuring the statistically significant variables. A total of 244 mothers participated in the study with a 96.8% response rate. The overall prevalence of adverse birth outcomes was 23.8% (95% CI: 18.5–29.5). Mothers with no formal educational level (AOR = 3.18: 95% CI: 1.097–9.219), family history of adverse birth outcome (AOR = 2.62: 95% CI: 1.007–6.825), and smoking (AOR = 2.92: 95% CI: 1.054–8.080) showed a statistically significant association with adverse birth outcome. More than one-fifth of mothers had adverse birth outcome. Maternal education, history of adverse birth outcomes, and smoking were significant factors. It is also important to integrate screening and counseling into routine antenatal care services.