Intrauterine growth restriction and its associated factors in South Gondar zone hospitals, Northwest Ethiopia, 2019

BACKGROUND: After prematurity, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is the second leading cause of perinatal mortality. IUGR has significant consequences in fetal, neonatal, and adult life. Currently, Ethiopia lacks information on IUGR’s prevalence and its determinants. This study aimed to assess the proportion of IUGR at birth and its associated factors. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out among women who give birth in four hospitals of south Gonder zone from November 2018 to February 2019. Multi-stage sampling was applied to select the required samples. IUGR was assessed using a standardized cutoff percentile/mean for each measurement. Data were collected by trained MSc clinical midwives. Bi-variable and multivariable logistic analyses were deployed to identify the association. RESULTS: A total of 803 maternity women were participating in this study with a response rate of 95%. The proportion of IUGR 23.5% (95% CI: 20.7–26.6), low birth weight 13.3%, small-for- gestational-age 19.7%,and preterm birth 23.16%. Women who was unable to read and write, (AOR; 2.46, 95% CI: 1.02–5.92), total family size ≥7 (AOR; 1.67, 95% CI: 1.04–2.66), maternal mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) < 23 cm (AOR; 2.10, 95% CI: 1.39–3.01), body mass index (BMI) < 18.5 kg/m(2) (AOR; 2.57, 95% CI: 1.72–3.83), altitude > 3000 m (AOR; 1.89 95% CI: 1.19–3.01), small placental size (< 350 g) (AOR; 2.42, 95% CI: 1.67–3.54) and small-for-gestational-age (AOR; 1.94, 95% CI:1.86–4.52) were the most predictors of IUGR. CONCLUSIONS: IUGR was a major public health concern in this study. Women who were unable to read and write, small-for-gestational-age, maternal BMI < 18.5 kg/m(2), family size ≥7, maternal MUAC < 23 cm, small placental size, and altitude > 3000 m were found the most predictor variables. Strengthen female education, nutritional intervention before and during pregnancy, and routine maternity care is critical. Further clinical follow-up research is essential which includes maternal, fetal, and placental gens.