Abstract:
Introduction: Preterm delivery is the most significant factor affecting the survival and quality
of life of infants. It is the main contributor to prenatal and neonatal morbidity and mortality on
a global scale. Even though there are few studies conducted on the area, the problem is not well
investigated in Ethiopia, especially the contributing factors not identified yet among HIV positive pregnant women. Therefore, assessing the prevalence and associated factors of preterm
birth help to decrease neonatal mortality and morbidity in Ethiopia.
Objective: To assess the prevalence and associated factors of preterm birth among HIV positive mothers on ART in Northwest Amhara Region Comprehensive Specialized Hospitals,
Northwest Ethiopia, 2023.
Method: An Institutional based cross-sectional study was carried out among 513 HIV-positive
mothers on ART, in Northwest Amhara Region Comprehensive Specialized Hospitals. HIV
positive mothers on ART were selected by using a computer-generated simple random sampling
technique. Data were collected by reviewing the maternal chart, and then coded and entered
into Epi-Data version 4.6 and analyzed by Stata-14 Software. Binary and multiple logistic
regressions were used to observe the association between independent and dependent variables.
Variables having p-value <0.05 with 95% CI were considered statistically significant.
Results: A total of 493 HIV positive mothers on ART were involved in this study with a 96%
response rate. The overall prevalence rate of preterm birth among HIV-positive mothers on
antiretroviral therapy was 84 (17.2%) (95% CI, (14, 20.6), <4 antenatal care (AOR=2, CI= 1.13-
3.82)), WHO stage III and IV (AOR=2.1, 95%CI=1.04-4.42) and pregnancy induced
hypertension (AOR=3.7, 95% CI=1.04-13.07) were significantly associated with preterm birth
among HIV positive mothers on antiretroviral therapy.
Conclusion: The prevalence rate of preterm birth among HIV-positive mothers was relatively
high. The associated factors for preterm birth among HIV positive mother on antiretroviral
therapy were <4 antenatal care, HIV stage III and IV, and pregnancy induced hypertension.
Therefore, addressing to intervene these significant factors are highly recommended in the
study setting
