Factors Associated with Preterm Birth among Mothers Who gave Birth in Dodola Town Hospitals, Southeast Ethiopia: Institutional Based Cross Sectional Study

Background: Preterm babies are at high risk of serious illness or death during the neonatal period. Without appropriate management of preterm birth, those who survive are at high risk of lifelong disability and poor quality of life. The magnitude and associated factors of preterm birth were not now well known in the study area. Moreover, the factors associated with preterm birth are believed to differ from one context to another. The objective of this study was to assess the magnitude of preterm birth and associated factors among mothers who gave birth in Dodola town hospitals. Method: Institutional based cross-sectional study design was conducted in Dodola town hospitals. All mothers who gave birth during study period were included in the study. Data were collected using face-to-face interview from each mother. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify the factors associated with preterm birth. The results of the study are presented with odds ratio and 95% confidence interval. Result: The magnitude of preterm birth was 13.0%. Monthly income of the mothers [AOR=3.07; 95% CI: 1.12, 8.41], number of ANC visits [AOR=4.07; 95% CI: 1.21, 13.67] and number of household members [AOR=3.23; 95% CI: 1.51, 6.90] were the significant factors associated with preterm birth. Conclusion: The magnitude of preterm birth in the study area was higher than the report of Federal Ministry of Health. Monthly income of mothers, ANC visits and number of household members were the factors associated with preterm birth. Therefore, still efforts have to be made to decrease the magnitude of preterm birth.