Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Hyperemesis gravidarum is a condition of intractable vomiting during pregnancy that leads to fluid and electrolyte imbalance, nutrition deficiency and weight loss often requiring hospital admission. Approximately 0.3%-10.8% of pregnant women experience nausea and vomiting during the first trimester of pregnancy. It has been associated with both maternal and fetal morbidity. There is limited evidence about the proportion of hyperemesis gravidarum and associated factors in the study area. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the proportion of hyperemesis gravidarum and associated factors among pregnant women admitted into the obstetric ward at Akesta General Hospital, South Wollo Zone, Ethiopia. METHODS: This is hospital-based cross-sectional study of 355 pregnant mothers in Akesta general hospital in northeast Ethiopia from September 1/2018- to August 30 /2020. A simple random sampling technique was used to select the patient card from the whole admission of pregnant women cards during the study period. The diagnosis of hyperemesis gravidarum include persistent vomiting not related to other causes, an objective measure of acute starvation, electrolyte abnormalities and acid-base disturbances, as well as weight loss. The data analysis was done using SPSS version 25. Bivariable and multivariable binary logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify factors associated with hyperemesis gravidarum. Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) was reported to show the strength of the association. Statistical significance was stated at P-value < 0.05. RESULTS: The proportion of hyperemesis gravidarum was 11.3%. Women with previous history of hyperemesis gravidarum AOR (95%CI) = 10.9[2.46, 48.44], previous history of urinary tract infection AOR (95%CI) = 4.32[1.58, 11.86], previous history of gastrointestinal disease AOR (95% CI) = 4.12[1.40, 12.65], history of abortion AOR (95% CI) = 6.23[2.24, 17.52] were factors significantly associated with hyperemesis gravidarum. CONCLUSION: In this study, the overall hospital proportion of hyperemesis gravidarum was high. History of gastrointestinal disease, previous history of urinary tract infection, history of hyperemesis gravidarum, and history of abortion were the major risk factors.