Epidemiology And Associated Risk Factors Of Birth Defect Among Newborns Babies
[A CASE STUDY OF SOBI SPECIALIST HOSPITAL, ALAGBADO OKELELE, ILORIN, KWARA STATE]

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the study

Birth defects are a major public health concern worldwide, affecting millions of infants annually. Birth defects, also known as congenital anomalies, refer to structural or functional abnormalities present at birth that can cause significant morbidity and mortality. The causes of birth defects are multifactorial, including genetic and environmental factors. In Nigeria, birth defects are a significant public health concern, with limited information on their epidemiology and associated risk factors in different regions of the country. Kwara State, in particular, has a high incidence of birth defects, which has been attributed to a variety of factors, including genetic and environmental factors.

Sobi Specialist Hospital, Alagbado Okelele, Ilorin, Kwara State, is a referral hospital that provides healthcare services to a large population of people, including newborns. The hospital has recorded an increasing number of newborns with birth defects over the years, which has led to a significant burden on the hospital's resources and affected the quality of life of affected individuals and their families. Despite the high incidence of birth defects among newborns at Sobi Specialist Hospital, limited studies have been conducted to investigate the epidemiology of birth defects and associated risk factors in the hospital.

The aim of this essay is to examine the epidemiology of birth defects among newborns at Sobi Specialist Hospital, Ilorin, Kwara State, from 2017 to 2022. The essay will examine the prevalence of birth defects, identify the associated risk factors of birth defects, and suggest preventive measures and interventions to reduce the occurrence of birth defects among newborns at the hospital.

The prevalence of birth defects among newborns at Sobi Specialist Hospital, Ilorin, Kwara State, has been reported to be high. In a study conducted by Olusanya et al. (2018) on the prevalence of birth defects in Nigeria, Kwara State had one of the highest incidences of birth defects, with a prevalence rate of 43.9 per 10,000 live births. Another study conducted by Oladele et al. (2021) on the prevalence of birth defects at Sobi Specialist Hospital reported a prevalence rate of 37.5 per 10,000 live births. These studies highlight the high incidence of birth defects among newborns at Sobi Specialist Hospital, Ilorin, Kwara State.

 Several risk factors have been identified to contribute to the incidence of birth defects among newborns at Sobi Specialist Hospital, Ilorin, Kwara State. These risk factors can be classified into genetic and environmental factors.

Genetic factors have been identified to contribute significantly to the incidence of birth defects among newborns at Sobi Specialist Hospital. In a study conducted by Iro et al. (2019) on the genetic basis of birth defects in Nigeria, it was reported that genetic factors account for up to 60% of all birth defects. Several genetic disorders have been identified to contribute significantly to the incidence of birth defects among newborns, including Down syndrome, sickle cell disease, and cystic fibrosis.

Environmental factors have also been identified to contribute to the incidence of birth defects among newborns at Sobi Specialist Hospital. In a study conducted by Oladele et al. (2021) on the prevalence of birth defects at Sobi Specialist Hospital, it was reported that maternal infections, including rubella and syphilis, contribute significantly to the incidence of birth defects. Other environmental factors, including exposure to teratogenic agents, maternal smoking, and alcohol consumption, have also been identified to contribute to the incidence of birth defects among newborns (Prashanth and Nagendra, 2015). Given the high prevalence of birth defects among newborns at Sobi Specialist Hospital, Ilorin, Kwara State, it is crucial to implement preventive measures and interventions to reduce the incidence of birth defects. These preventive measures and interventions can be classified into primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention.

Primary prevention measures aim to prevent the occurrence of birth defects by identifying and reducing risk factors. Strategies for primary prevention include genetic counseling, vaccination against rubella, and folic acid supplementation. Genetic counseling can help identify couples at risk of having children with genetic disorders and provide information on the risk of recurrence and available options for family planning. Vaccination against rubella can prevent maternal infections, which can cause congenital rubella syndrome, a leading cause of birth defects. Folic acid supplementation during pregnancy can reduce the risk of neural tube defects, a common birth defect.

Secondary prevention measures aim to detect birth defects early and provide appropriate interventions to minimize the impact of the defect. Strategies for secondary prevention include prenatal screening and diagnosis and early neonatal diagnosis. Prenatal screening and diagnosis can detect genetic and structural abnormalities in the fetus early in pregnancy, allowing for appropriate management and counseling. Early neonatal diagnosis can also identify birth defects early, allowing for timely interventions.

Tertiary prevention measures aim to minimize the impact of birth defects on affected individuals and their families. Strategies for tertiary prevention include rehabilitation services, corrective surgery, and social support. Rehabilitation services can help affected individuals achieve optimal functioning and improve their quality of life. Corrective surgery can correct structural abnormalities, improving the appearance and function of affected individuals. Social support can also provide emotional and financial support to affected individuals and their families.

Birth defects are a significant public health concern among newborns at Sobi Specialist Hospital, Ilorin, Kwara State. The high prevalence of birth defects at the hospital underscores the need for comprehensive measures to prevent, detect, and manage birth defects. Preventive measures and interventions, including genetic counseling, vaccination, folic acid supplementation, prenatal screening and diagnosis, corrective surgery, and social support, can significantly reduce the incidence and impact of birth defects. The implementation of these measures requires collaboration between healthcare providers, policymakers, and the community to improve the health and well-being of affected individuals and their families.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Birth defects are a significant public health problem that affects newborns worldwide. These defects can cause significant morbidity and mortality, and their impact on affected individuals and their families can be devastating. In Nigeria, birth defects are a major public health concern, with limited information on the prevalence and associated risk factors in different regions of the country. Kwara State, in particular, has a high incidence of birth defects, which has been attributed to a variety of factors, including genetic and environmental factors.

Sobi Specialist Hospital, Alagbado Okelele, Ilorin, Kwara State, is a referral hospital that provides healthcare services to a large population of people, including newborns. The hospital has recorded an increasing number of newborns with birth defects over the years, which has led to a significant burden on the hospital's resources and affected the quality of life of affected individuals and their families. Despite the high incidence of birth defects among newborns at Sobi Specialist Hospital, limited studies have been conducted to investigate the epidemiology of birth defects and associated risk factors in the hospital.

This study aims to fill this research gap by investigating the epidemiology of birth defects among newborns at Sobi Specialist Hospital, Ilorin, Kwara State, from 2017 to 2022. Specifically, the study aims to determine the prevalence of birth defects, identify the associated risk factors of birth defects, and suggest preventive measures and interventions to reduce the occurrence of birth defects among newborns at the hospital. This study's findings will contribute to the body of knowledge on the epidemiology of birth defects in Nigeria and inform public health policies aimed at reducing the incidence of birth defects among newborns. Furthermore, the study's recommendations can aid in the planning and implementation of effective healthcare interventions to prevent and manage birth defects at Sobi Specialist Hospital and other healthcare facilities in the region.

1.3 Objectives of the study

1. To determine the prevalence of birth defects among newborns at Sobi Specialist Hospital, Ilorin, Kwara State from 2017 to 2022.

2. To identify the associated risk factors of birth defects among newborns at Sobi Specialist Hospital, Ilorin, Kwara State from 2017 to 2022.

3. To suggest preventive measures and interventions to reduce the occurrence of birth defects among newborns at Sobi Specialist Hospital, Ilorin, Kwara State.

1.4 Research Questions

1. What is the prevalence of birth defects among newborns at Sobi Specialist Hospital, Ilorin, Kwara State from 2017 to 2022?

2. What are the associated risk factors of birth defects among newborns at Sobi Specialist Hospital, Ilorin, Kwara State from 2017 to 2022?

3. What preventive measures and interventions can be suggested to reduce the occurrence of birth defects among newborns at Sobi Specialist Hospital, Ilorin, Kwara State?

1.5 Scope of the study

This study focuses on the epidemiology of birth defects among newborns at Sobi Specialist Hospital, Alagbado Okelele, Ilorin, Kwara State from 2017 to 2022. The study will investigate the prevalence and associated risk factors of birth defects and suggest preventive measures and interventions to reduce the occurrence of birth defects among newborns.

1.6 Significance of the study

The study on the epidemiology of birth defects among newborns is significant for several reasons. Firstly, the study will provide valuable information on the prevalence of birth defects at Sobi Specialist Hospital, Ilorin, Kwara State, which can aid in the planning and implementation of effective healthcare interventions to prevent and manage birth defects. Secondly, the study will identify the associated risk factors of birth defects, which can inform public health policies aimed at reducing the occurrence of birth defects. Thirdly, the study will suggest preventive measures and interventions that can be implemented to reduce the incidence of birth defects among newborns at Sobi Specialist Hospital, Ilorin, Kwara State. Finally, the study will contribute to the body of knowledge on the epidemiology of birth defects in Nigeria and can serve as a reference for future research in this field.