DETERMINANTS OF STILLBIRTH AMONG MOTHERS WHO GAVE BIRTH IN SOUTH GONDAR ZONE CITY PUBLIC HOSPITALS NORTHWEST, ETHIOPIA, 2024.

Abstract

Background: Stillbirth represents a tragedy and a potential loss of life. Beyond the physical consequences, there are numerous psychosocial impacts on parents, including anxiety, long-term depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, and stigmatization. Reducing the burden of stillbirth may be hampered by an incomplete understanding of the risk factors leading to the majority of stillbirths. Therefore, this study aimed to identify predictors of still birth among women who gave birth in south Gondar zone public hospitals. Method: Institution based unmatched case-control study design was conducted from may/2024-october 30 /2024 among 720 (180 cases and 540 controls) study participant. Multi-stage sampling technique were carried out to select study participants/chart of women. The data were collected by using pre-tested data extraction checklist. The collected data were coded and entered in to epi-data 4.5 and exported to STATA 14 for analysis. Descriptive statistics were performed using tables, frequences, graphs, and measure of locations to describe the characteristics of study participants. To identify predictors of stillbirth both bivariable

and multivariable logistic regression model were fitted and variables whose p-value < 0.05 declared statistically significant. Result: In this study, being referred from other health facility [AOR=16, 95% CI 8.5-32.8], inadequate ANC follow up [AOR=3, 95% CI 1.72-5.44], Anemia [AOR =4.7, 95% CI 2.37-9.4] ,hypertensive disorder of pregnancy [AOR= 4.7, 95%CI 1.02-12.6], Assisted breach delivery [AOR=5.2, 95%CI 1.714.2],Preterm

delivery [AOR=4.5, 95% CI 1.7-11.5],and Grand multipara[AOR=3.2, 95% CI [1.28.5]were determinants of stillbirths in the study area.

Conclusion: The determinants of stillbirth in the study area were being referred from other health facility, Utilization of ANC follow up, Anemia, Hypertensive disorder of pregnancy, assisted breach delivery, Preterm delivery and Grand multipara. Therefore, strengthening maternal health services, particularly in rural areas, is essential to address referral delays and ensure timely access to emergency obstetric care. Enhancements of maternal care for mothers who presented with anemia, hypertensive disorder, preterm labor, as well as mothers with breach presentation