Analysis of regional heterogeneity and determinants of perinatal mortality in Ethiopia: review

Abstract

Introduction: The rate of mortality during the perinatal period is higher than at any other time in a person’s life, making it the most vulnerable. This study aimed to examine regional heterogeneity and the determinants of perinatal mortality in Ethiopia. Methods: The data for this study was obtained from the 2019 Ethiopia Demographic and Health Survey (2019 EMDHS) data. Logistic regression modeling and multilevel logistic modeling were used for data analysis. Results: A total of 5753 live birth children were included in this study. Of the total live births, 220 (3.8%) died in the first 7 days of life. Urban residence [adjusted odds ratio (AOR)=0.621; 95% CI: 0.453–0.850], residence in Addis Ababa (AOR=0.141; 95% CI: 0.090–0.220), family size of four or less (AOR=0.761; 95% CI: 0.608–0.952), age of mother at first birth of less than 20 years (AOR=0.728; 95% CI: 0.548–0.966), and using contraceptives (AOR=0.597; 95% CI: 0.438–0.814) were associated with lower risk of perinatal mortality compared to the respective reference categories whereas residence in Afar (AOR=2.259; 95% CI: 1.235–4.132), residence in Gambela (AOR=2.352; 95% CI: 1.328–4.167), no education (AOR=1.232; 95% CI: 1.065–1.572), poor wealth index (AOR=1.670; 95% CI: 1.172–2.380), and wealth index (AOR=1.648; 95% CI: 1.174–2.314) were associated with higher risk of perinatal mortality compared to the respective reference categories. Conclusion: In this study, the overall prenatal mortality rate was 38 (95% CI: 33–44) deaths per 1000 live births, which is high in magnitude. The study identified place of residence, region, wealth index, age of the mother at first birth, educational level of the mother, family size, and use of contraceptive methods as significant determinants of perinatal mortality in Ethiopia. Thus, mothers with no education should be given health education. Women should also be given awareness regarding the use of contraceptives. In addition, further research needs to be conducted in each region separately and information made available at the disaggregate level.

Why Babies die in the first 7 days after birth in Somalia Region of Ethiopia?

“…Babies born from uneducated mothers were more likely to die within the first 7 days of life after birth compared to babies born from mothers with secondary and higher education. This agrees with the studies 14 , 21 , 26 , 29 , 31 , 32 . The possible justification could be that uneducated mothers are less aware of the danger signs of pregnancy and may also be poor at nutrition during pregnancy compared to educated mothers.…”

The Impact of a Multidisciplinary Experiential Training Model on Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Healthcare Workers in Maternity Health Management: A Preliminary Study

“…The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that in 2020, approximately 287,000 women died during and after pregnancy and childbirth, with a disproportionate impact on low-and middle-income countries where pregnant populations are more susceptible to adverse outcomes, including stillbirths and early neonatal deaths. 1 These deaths are often accompanied by adverse outcomes such as stillbirths and early neonatal deaths, highlighting the persistent challenges in maternal health care. 2,3 The high rates of maternal morbidity and mortality suggest that there are gaps in the quality of maternal health management.…”