Prevalence and associated factors of birth defects among newborns at referral hospitals in Northwest Ethiopia

Conclusion: The study identified a high prevalence of birth defects in infants born in Northwest Ethiopia. The most frequent type of birth defect was neural tube defect. In addition, the absence of maternal folic acid supplementation and the presence of chronic diseases during pregnancy were among the risk factors significantly associated with birth defects. Further detailed, nationwide, multicenter, retrospective/prospective follow up investigations should be conducted to influence political and healthcare decision-making so as to reduce birth defects. [Ethiop. J. Health Dev. 2018;32(3):00-000]Key words: Birth defects, prevalence, associated factors
Source: Ethiopian Journal of Health Development - Category: African Health Source Type: research