Magnitude, Associated Factors and Immediate Outcomes of Non-Reassuring Fetal Heart Rate Status Among Laboring Mothers at South Gondar Zone Public Hospitals, North, West Ethiopia, 2022; Cross Sectional Study

Background Non-reassuring fetal heart rate status (NRFHRS) is an abnormal fetal heart rate monitoring which necessitates immediate intervention. It is one of the common reducible causes of perinatal morbidity and mortality in developing countries. Despite there is limited data on the magnitude, associated factors and its outcomes in Ethiopia. Objective To assess the magnitude, associated factors and immediate outcomes of non-reassuring fetal heart rate status among laboring mothers at South Gondar zone public hospitals, northwest Ethiopia 2022. Methods An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted from June 1-30, 2022. A total of 586 laboring mothers were included. The participants were selected through systematic sampling method. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis were carried out. OR with 95% CI was used and statistically significant variables were declared if p < 0.05 in multivariable analysis. Result The magnitude of NRFHRS was 21.16% (95%, CI: 17.9-24.7) with a response rate of 97.34%. Primigravida [AOR= 1.86, 95% CI: 1.03-3.37], anemia [AOR= 4.59, 95% CI: 1.87-11.30], referred [AOR= 1.95, 95% CI: 1.07-3.55], induction of labor [AOR= 3.78, 95% CI: 1.20-11.9], meconium-stained amniotic fluid [AOR= 14.13, 95% CI: 7.53-26.50], prolonged rupture of membrane [AOR= 11.70), 95% CI: 5.40-25.34] and low birth weight [AOR=5.08, 95% CI: 2.20-11.74] were significantly associated with NRFHRS. 4.8% of fetus was still birth. Conclusion In this study the magnitude of NRFHRS was high compared to studies in Africa. Being primigravida, anemic, referred, induction of labor, meconium-stained amniotic fluid, prolonged rupture of membrane and low birth weight were significantly associated with NRFHRS. Assigning adequate number of midwifes for good labor follow-up, properly counsel on nutrition and iron and folic acid and give due attention on labor follow-up would minimize NRFHRS.