Magnitude of adverse neonatal birth outcomes and associated factors among babies born from adolescent mothers in East Hararghe zone, Oromia region, Eastern Ethiopia

Abstract

Abstract Background The pregnancy rate among adolescents is increasing, particularly in developing countries, with higher adverse health outcomes. There are limited studies conducted to assess the adverse neonatal birth outcomes of adolescent pregnancy and associated factors for newborns in Ethiopia. Objective To assess the adverse neonatal birth outcomes and associated factors among babies born to adolescent mothers in Hospitals of East Hararghe Zone, Eastern Ethiopia from 21/01/ 2023 to 20/01/2024. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on 532 medical recordsof adolescent delivery mothers using a single population and double -proportion formula to identify factors associated with adverse neonatal birth outcomes. Data was collected using Kobo, EPI INFO version 3.2, and analyzed using STATA version 17, Bivariate and multivariable binary logistic regression, and Hosmer-Lemeshow tests, with significance reported at a value < 0.05. Result Data were extracted from 532 single-tone chart mothers. The prevalence of adverse birth outcomes in neonates born to adolescent mothers was 37.22(95% CI: 33.1–43.1). Spontaneous vaginal delivery (AOR = 0.35,95% CI:0.19–0.65), Low Hgb (AOR = 1.71, 95% CI: 1.04–2.81), APGAR scores first minute < 7 (AOR = 0.55, 95% CI:0.45–0.66), APGAR scores five minute < 7 (AOR = 1.11,95% CI:1.00-1.22), induced for labor (AOR = 3.5, 95% CI: 1.11–11.11), poor maternal nutrition (AOR = 0.107, 95% CI: 0.018–0.63), and mother with Eclampsia (AOR = 6.3,95%CI:1.74–22.75), had a significantly higher risk for adverse birth outcomes. Conclusion The overall prevalence of adverse neonatal outcomes reported in this study was relatively high compared to findings reported in previous studies, such as those in Nigeria and Turkey. Adolescent mothers with spontaneous vaginal delivery, low Hgb levels, eclampsia, nutritional status, induced delivery during delivery, and Apgar scores in the 1st and 5th minutes were all significantly associated with adverse neonatal outcomes. Addressing factors like maternal nutrition, access to prenatal care, and proper delivery management could help reduce these adverse outcomes and improve overall maternal and neonatal health for adolescent mothers.