Determinants of perinatal mortality in Ethiopia from 2012 up to 2020: systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Background: The perinatal mortality is defined as neonatal deaths of less than seven days of age and fetal deaths after 28 weeks of gestation for developing countries. Perinatal mortality is a worldwide health problem even if variation exists among countries. Despite the presence different studies done on the determinants of perinatal mortality in Ethiopia, there is no comprehensive and currently updated study in this time period in Ethiopia. The objective of this study was to determine the determinants of perinatal mortality in Ethiopia from 2012 up to 2020 time period.Method: The articles were identified through electronic search of reputable databases: Google scholar, PubMed, Cochrane library, MIDLINE, EMBASE and Ovid Maternity and Infant Care Databases. Nine studies were selected based on a comprehensive list of inclusion and exclusion criteria. Analysis was done by using STATA 14 statistical software. To assess heterogeneity, the Cochrane Q test statistic and I2 tests were used and a random effect model was also used to estimate the pooled prevalence of perinatal mortality rate. Results: The determinant factors for perinatal mortality were gestational age less than 37weeks , birth weight greater than or equal 2500 gram , had not history of previous abortion, had not history of perinatal death, illiterate maternal education, not using partograph , not vaccinated women about TT vaccine, had not history of obstetric complication ,level of hemoglobin greater than or equal to 11mg/dl ,women who had no prenatal visit ,child birth interval less than two years and non-vertex fetal presentation were significantly associated with perinatal mortality.Conclusion: Government should give especial emphasis for women’s with previous history of abortion, perinatal death and child birth interval less than two years.as well as strengthen all the above associated variables.