Prevalence and predictors of adverse birth outcomes among postnatal mothers in Dodoma: Hospital-based analytical cross-sectional study

BackgroundAdverse birth outcomes are a common health problem consisting of several health effects on postnatal mothers. Maternals with one or more adverse birth outcomes are at greater risk for maternal mortality. Despite ongoing government efforts to improve maternal care, the magnitude of adverse birth outcomes is a remarkable health concern. Maternal mortality is still a major public health challenge in Tanzania. ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess the prevalence and predictors of adverse maternal outcomes among postnatal women. MethodsThe study employed a quantitative, hospital-based cross-sectional design in the Dodoma region. Multiple sampling methods were used to choose the health facilities, and simple random sampling was used to select study participants. The study involved 422 out of 425 postnatal mothers with a 99.3 percent response rate. Data from respondents was collected using a questionnaire and a documentary review of antenatal cards and patient files. IBM SPSS version 25 for data analysis, employing both descriptive and inferential statistics. ResultsThe findings showed that participants who were emotionally abused were more likely to develop eclampsia, and 4.275 times more likely to develop anaemia compared to participants who were not emotionally abused (AOR = 3.864; 95%CI: 1.766-8.456: p = 0.001), (AOR = 3.079; 95%CI: 1.514, 6.262: p = 0.002), and (AOR = 4.275; 95%CI: 2.020, 9.045: p = <0.001) respectively. Participants who had a history of stillbirth were (AOR = 3.811; 95%CI: 1.696, 8.562: p = 0.001). Participants who had their delivery conducted at GA <37 weeks were more likely to have anaemia GA [&ge;]37 weeks (AOR = 2.846; 95%CI: 1.327, 6.102: p = 0.007). In addition, participants who had <4 ANC visits were 5.091 more likely to have an infection [&ge;]4 ANC visits (AOR = 5.091; 95%CI: 1.093, 23.717: p = 0.038) ConclusionThese findings underscore the importance of comprehensive ANC services that prioritize mental health support, address social determinants of health, and ensure equitable access to healthcare. Interventions to increase ANC attendance, address abuse, and improve healthcare accessibility, particularly for those living far from health facilities, are essential to improve maternal and neonatal health outcomes.