Patterns and Associated Factors of Congenital Anomalies Among Neonates in 14 Yemeni Governorates 2021–2023: A Case: Control Study

Background

Long-term disability and a reduced quality of life are often associated with congenital anomalies (CAs), which present as structural, functional, or metabolic defects. This study provides a comprehensive view of neonatal congenital anomalies in 14 Yemeni governorates, a significant but often overlooked public health concern. The current study aimed to determine the patterns and associated factors of congenital anomalies in 14 Yemeni governorates between 2021 and 2023.

Methods

An unmatched case-control 1:2 design was conducted using secondary data collected from various health facilities across 14 Yemeni governorates during 2021–2023. Sample size was calculated and data was analyzed using Epi Info version 7.2, with 612 neonates with documented diagnosis of congenital anomalies and 1224 healthy neonates. Binary and multiple logistic regression were used to identify factors associated with congenital anomalies, alongside the chi-square test.

Results

The majority of the congenital anomalies identified were located in Al Hudaydah (34 %), Ibb (17.2 %), and Sana'a (13.1 %). Most were isolated 518 (84.64 %), whereas 94 (15.36 %) were multiple. The predominant system was the nervous system (33.9 %), followed by the skeletal system (14.8 %) and orofacial anomalies (10.6 %). Furthermore, strong associations were found with positive consanguinity (OR = 28.82), low socioeconomic status (OR = 10.70), maternal age ≥ 35 years old (OR = 7.66), stress (OR = 4.95), acute diseases (OR = 3.56), gestational age < 37 weeks (OR = 3.32), maternal age < 20 years old (OR = 2.32), positive family history (OR = 1.74), low birth weight (OR = 1.27), grand-multiparity (OR = 0.71) and male sex (OR = 0.10).

Interpretation

This broad research identified significant patterns, maternal and neonatal associations, and protective variables for congenital anomalies. These results can help inform national interventions and policies for prevention and improving neonatal care.

Funding

This study was self-funded by the authors and did not receive any external funding or any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.