Perinatal mortality of singleton term breech deliveries in North Shoa Zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia.

Objective: To assess perinatal mortality of singleton term breech deliveries and associated factors in selected hospitals in North Shoa Zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia, during 2021-2022.

Method: This institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted from January 1, 2022 to March 30, 2022 among mothers who gave birth in selected hospitals. The lottery technique was employed with a total sample size of 390 among singleton term breech deliveries. Binary logistic regression was fitted and variables with a P-value <0.25 were identified and fitted to multivariable logistic regression. Variables with a P-value <0.05 at 95% confidence interval (CI) were considered significant.

Result: The prevalence of perinatal mortality in the hospital was 6.4%. Adverse perinatal outcome of singleton term breech delivery was significantly associated with breech diagnosed during labor (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 6.23, 95% CI 2.61-18.87), prolonged labor (AOR 4.51, 95% CI 1.15-15.62), rupture of membrane <12 h (AOR 0.06, 95% CI 0.01-0.28) and 5-min Apgar score of <7 (AOR 9.97, 95% CI 3.68-15.92).

Conclusion and recommendation: Factors like the 5-min Apgar score < 7, prolonged labor, rupture of membrane <12 h, and breech diagnosed during labor were associated with increased Perinatal mortality. When labor begins, professionals should handle breech presentation as quickly as possible to minimize delays and enhance fetal outcomes.