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

Abstract 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.