GEO-LOCATION AND PERIOD OF CONCEPTION OF BABIES WITH SPINA BIFIDA IN NORTHWEST NIGERIA: IMPLICATIONS FOR ONE HEALTH-ORIENTED PREVENTIVE STRATEGIES

Spina bifida is a congenital anomaly that result from failure of fusion of neural tube. Factors such as folic acid deficiency, exposure to high temperature during pregnancy and genetic abnormality were implicated in its development. Peri-conceptional folic acid use has been shown to be protective against giving birth to babies with spina bifida. Targeted folic acid supplementation to individuals with high occurrence especially at a period more prone to development of spina bifida may ensure more effective prevention of this unwanted congenital anomaly. The general objectives of this study were to identify geographical location with higher occurrence of babies with spina bifida, to determine period of conception of babies delivered with spina bifida and provide opportunity for targeted preventive strategy Retrospective review of bio-demographics, state of residence and period of conception of babies with spina bifida between January 2020 to December 2022. We recorded 100 patients with complete records over 3-year period, males constituted the majority (52%) with a male-to-female ratio of 1.1:1. Gusau, Dange-shuni and Bungudu local governments top the lists of location with most cases of spina bifida (5.2%) each. Majority of cases were residence of Sokoto state, 36.0%, followed by Zamfara, 28.0% and Kebbi 26.0%. Most pregnancies for babies with spina bifida were conceived in February (17.0%). Spina bifida occurs in male children predominantly with high occurrence in Sokoto, Zamfara and developing in the months of February, April and September.