Frequency and Risk Factors of Congenital Anomalies in Newborns in the Omdurman Military Hospital

Abstract

Background: Congenital anomalies are a worldwide problem, causing Perinatal and infant deaths and postnatal physical disabilities.  Objective: To determine the frequency and risk factors of congenital anomalies in newborns. Materials and Methods: This descriptive prospective cross-sectional hospital-based study was conducted in Omdurman Military Hospital from August 2021 to February 2022. The study sample included 42 newborns who fulfilled the study's inclusion criteria. Data was collected using an interview questionnaire filled out by the researcher with women and their deliveries, and then verbal consent was obtained. Collected data analysis was performed using SPSS. Results and Discussion: The total number of deliveries during the study period was 1.400; 42 newborns had congenital malformation, so the frequency of congenital anomalies was 3%. Central Nervous System (CNS) anomalies were 31 %,> 40% of maternal and paternal age was (31-40) and (>40), 50% (21) of patients were primigravida,83.3%from rural areas,76.2% had CS delivery, pregnancy,76.2%has no medical disease,>78% has no Family History or previous history of congenital anomalies  (CAs) 81% of the women were using cosmetic products, correlation between the risk factors and congenital anomalies were studied revealed significant relationship between congenital anomalies and "Blood Type of the mother, blood Type of the Baby, history of previous congenital anomaly, family history of CA and history of cosmetic product abuse Chi-square P value were  0.05,0.05,0.02,0.04 respectively at  (p< 0.05). Conclusion: In this study, the frequency of congenital anomalies was 3%.  The risk factors socio-demographic factors (age, residence, level of education, social class) and pregnancy-related risk factors (parity, single-tone pregnancy, medical diseases, maternal history of febrile illness, and use of cosmetic products during pregnancy) were the most important factors associated with congenital anomalies.