Prevalence and determinants of RH alloimmunization in Rh-negative women in teaching hospitals of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: a hospital-based cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND: Despite the implementation of immunization with an anti-D antigen for pregnant women, adverse pregnancy outcomes continue to occur in Ethiopia and most Sub-Saharan African countries. Consequently, the woman's obstetric care is compromised, and there is an increase in perinatal morbidity and mortality. In Ethiopia, the burden of the disease is not well understood, and no research has been conducted in the study area. Therefore, this study aims to determine the prevalence and determinants of Rh alloimmunization in Rh-negative women receiving care at Addis Ababa teaching hospitals. METHODS: An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 5 October 2020 to 5 May 2021, among 328 Rh-negative pregnant women who received antenatal care and delivery services at Teaching Hospitals under Addis Ababa University. Face-to-face interviews were used to gather data using a pre-tested structured questionnaire, and a chart review was performed using a checklist. The data were entered into Epidata version 3.1 and analyzed using SPSS version 22. Multivariable analysis and logistic regression were used to evaluate the predictors, and the results were presented as an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval. Statistical significance was declared at a p-value < 0.05. RESULTS: Among Rh-D negative individuals, 56(17.1%) were alloimunized with 95% CI (15.1%, 19.23%). The prevalence of Rh-D negative was 2.1% with 95% CI (1.56%, 2.76%). Factors such as unemployment [AOR = 2.28, 95% CI: 1.21, 4.28], failure to use anti-D prophylaxis in previous pregnancy [AOR = 2.08, 95% CI: 1.10, 3.92), and the presence of sensitizing events [AOR = 0.52, 95% CI: 0.27, 0.84] were statistically significant with the outcome variables. CONCLUSIONS: This study pointed out that the prevalence of Rh was relatively large and that almost one in every five pregnant women was alloimunized. Factors such as unemployment and failure to use anti-D prophylaxis in a previous pregnancy were found to be associated with outcome variables. Therefore, all stakeholders and concerned entities should prioritize enhancing access and affordability to anti-D prophylaxis to prevent the occurrence of Rh alloimmunization and its associated adverse outcomes.