Abstract:
Background: Neural tube defect is a central nervous system structural defect that affects the
developing embryo's brain, spine, and spinal column during the first month of development.
There no inclusive studies conducted involving private hospitals to assess prevalence and risk
factors of neural tube defectin Ethiopia which arise the question of
representativeness,additionally there tube defects and their risk factors and many studies in birth
defects caused by stillbirths, elective terminations, and aborted fetuses because no organized
data on these types of pregnancy losses is gathered.
Objective:the aim of this study to assess the magnitude and risk factors ofneural tube defect
among newborn and pregnancy outcome at both public and private hospital in Addis Ababa,
Ethiopia, 2022.
Methods: Cross-sectional study was conducted from Augest -September,2022 among
pregnancy outcome and newborns delivered in 9 hospitals of Addis Ababa selected using
lottery method with sample size of 329. Consecutive sampling technique was used to get study
participants. Data was`collected by interviewing the mothers. Data was entered using Epi-data
version 7.2.0.1 and analysis was done using SPSS version 23. Binary logistic regression model
was used and Variables that show significant association in the univariable analysis of p<0.25
was entered in multivariable analysis. Adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence interval (CI)
and p value ≤0.05 was used to claim statistical significance.
Result:Out of the 326 pregnancy outcome, 8 (2.5%) wereNTDs.Among the total NTDs, Spina
bifidia were the common NTDs4 (5%) followed by Anencephaly 3(3.75%).Family member with
history of NTDs history, History of NTD and having ANC follow up have a statistically
significant association with NTD.
Conclusion andrecommendation:relatively lower prevalence of neural tube defects(7,33)was
noted but this is high figure due to the severe complication of NTD and health care workers
should givehealth education about history of NTDs history, History of NTD and having ANC
follow upand preventive measures for all family and women’s of child bearing age (15-49).
