Abstract:
: Nausea and vomiting in pregnancy (NVP), ranging from minor morning sickness to the
most severe form affects women during pregnancy with significant morbidities and socioeconomic
impacts. Because of the focus on maternal mortality and severe morbidities, NVP received less
attention with regard to research and counseling. Prior studies in Ethiopia were limited to hospital based and may not reflect the population-level estimates.
Objective: To assess the prevalence and associated factors of NVP among pregnant women
participating in the Hararghe Health and Demographic Surveillance System, Eastern Ethiopia from
July 1 to 15, 2021.
Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study design was conducted among 502 pregnant
women randomly selected from the ongoing Hararghe Health and Demographic Surveillance System.
A structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data on sociodemographic
conditions, nausea, and vomiting-related conditions and their associated factors. Data were entered
into EpiData 4.6 and exported to SPSS 25 for analysis. Descriptive statistics, bivariable and
multivariable logistic regression analysis were performed. All covariates with a p-value < 0.25 in the
bivariable logistic regression analysis were entered into a multivariable logistic regression analysis
after checking for multicollinearity and model of fitness. Association was described using adjusted
odds ratio (AOR) along with its 95% confidence interval (CI) using Statistical significance was
declared at p-value < 0.05 in the multiple logistic regression.
Result: Of 502 pregnant women approached, 495 (98.6%) were included in the study. The prevalence
of nausea and/ or vomiting in pregnancy was 70.3, (95% CI 66.5 -74.3). Primigravida [AOR: 5.57;
95%CI: 2.57-12.05], multigravida [AOR: 3.58; 95%CI: 2.08-6.14] family history of nausea and
vomiting [AOR: 3.23; 95%CI: 1.96-5.43], and no exercise before pregnancy [AOR: 6.20; 95%CI:
3.53-10.87] were positively associated with NVP whereas women with planned pregnancy were less
likely [AOR: 0.50; 95%CI: 0.30-0.84] to have it.
Conclusion: Seven out of ten pregnant women reported having NVP. Nausea and vomiting were more
likely among primi and multigravida, women with a family history of NVP, and those with no exercise
before pregnancy. Advice on life modification, early treatment, and provision of family planning are
essential for relieving the symptom and preventing further complications.
