Determinants of preterm birth among mothers who gave birth at Shiek Hassan Yabare Referral Hospital in Jigjiga town, Eastern Ethiopia: Unmatched case-control study

Background: Complications of prematurity are one of the leading causes of death in children under the age of five across the world. Preterm delivery can cause cognitive impairment, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, neurocognitive deficits, and poor academic performance in children. All of these problems lead to poor quality of life and long-term health effects. Despite significant reductions in neonatal mortality in Ethiopia, preterm birth rates remain high. The objective of the study is to identify the determinants of preterm birth among mothers who gave birth at Sheik-Hassen Yebere Jigjiga University Referral Hospital from June 1 to July 30, 2021 . Methods : An unmatched case-control study design was employed among 381 mothers (127 cases and 254 controls) who delivered at Sheik-Hassen Yebere Jigjiga University Referral Hospital in Jigjiga Town between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2019. The medical records of eligible participants were randomly selected using a computer-generated simple random sampling method. Both bivariate and multivariable logistic regression models were used, and independent determinants were determined based on adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals and a pvalue of less than 0.05 . Results: A total of 381 charts were reviewed, 127 cases, and 254 controls. The mean gestational age was 32.5+2.57SD and 39+2.57SD weeks for preterm and term respectively. History of less than or equal to 4 ANC visits (AOR 6.43 CI 3.1-13.20), male fetus (AOR 2.04, 95% CI 1.2-5.2), reside in rural areas (AOR 2.51, 95% CI 1.4-6.74), maternal hemoglobin level <11mg/dL (AOR 3.32, 95% CI 1.4- 13.2), neonates who had congenital birth defects (AOR 3.49 CI 1.4.4-8.68) were significantly associated with preterm birth. Conclusion: Based on the factors that contribute to preterm birth, it is important to encourage pregnant women to regularly take iron and folic acid supplements and to attend their scheduled antenatal care visits. In addition, improving healthcare accessibility in rural regions is crucial.