Determinants and Seasonality of Major Structural Birth Defects Among Newborns Delivered at Primary and Referral Hospital of East and West Gojjam Zones, North West Ethiopia 2017- 2018: Case- Control Study

Abstract

Objective: Although infant mortality because of birth defect has increased in both developed and developing countries, had not got attention like other health issues at national, regional, or local levels. Documenting the risk factors that influence the occurrence of birth defects and its seasonality will help to inform the community and to develop preventive strategies for the country. Results: Factors associated with higher likelihood of a major structural birth defects included maternal age; neonates born from women living in urban; and in Dega; history of fever during pregnancy; intake of herbal medicine; and drinking alcohol. Counselling for pregnancy preparation and folic acid supplementation was found protective for the likelihood of birth defect. Key words: Birth defect, maternal illness, maternal medication use, environmental exposure