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Published:
Dec 1, 2022DOI:
10.4314/gmj.v56i4.5Keywords:
Article Details
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Main Article Content
Descriptive epidemiology of external structural birth defects in Enugu State, Nigeria
Abstract
Objectives: To determine the birth prevalence, trend, and characteristics of external structural birth defects occurrence in Enugu Metropolis, Nigeria.
Design: Cross-sectional study involving review of delivery records.
Setting: The study was conducted at three tertiary hospitals, one public and two missionary, in Enugu Metropolis.
Participants: Mothers and their babies delivered between 1 January 2009 and 31 December 2016 in the study facilities.
Main outcome measures: Birth prevalence of defects presented as frequency/10,000 births. Other descriptive variables are presented as frequencies and percentages.
Results: There were 21530 births with 133 birth defects (birth prevalence: 61.8/10,000 births) and 1176 stillbirths (stillbirth rate: 54.6/1000 births). The frequencies and birth prevalence (/10,000 births) of recorded defects were: Limb deformities 60(27.9), Neural tube defects (NTDs): 36(16.7), Urogenital system defects: 12(5.6), Gastrointestinal system defects 10(4.6) and Orofacial clefts 4(1.9). Birth defects occurrence showed a rising trend from 2009 to 2016. The mean (SD) age of mothers whose babies had Birth defects was 29.1(4.7) years. Only 62(46.6%) of 133 antenatal clinic folders of these women were traceable for further review. Eighteen (29.0%) had febrile illness in early pregnancy, 9(14.5%) had Malaria, 17(27.4%) had <4 antenatal clinic attendance, 7(11.3%) did not take folic acid and 6(9.7%) took herbal medications during pregnancy.
Conclusions: Birth defects occurrence showed a rising trend with limb deformities and NTDs having the highest prevalence. Record keeping was poor at the facilities. Birth defects preventive interventions like folic acid supplementation for women-of-childbearing age should be promoted in Enugu Metropolis.
