Factors associated with miscarriage in Nepal: Evidence from Nepal Demographic and Health Surveys, 2001-2016.

Abstract

BackgroundMiscarriage is a major public health concern in low and middle-income countries (LMICs) like Nepal. This study aims to examine the factors associated with miscarriage among pregnant women of reproductive age (15-49 years) in the past 15 years.MethodsThere were a total of weighted sample of 26,376 cross-sectional pregnancy data from Nepal Demographic and Health Surveys (NDHS) 2001, 2006, 2011, and 2016 combined together, which was used in the study. Multilevel logistic regression analysis that adjusted for cluster and survey weights was used to identify factors associated with miscarriage among pregnant women of reproductive age in Nepal.ResultsThe results showed that maternal age, contraception, tobacco smoking, wealth index, respondents' educational status, and, caste/ethnicity were found to be strong factors of miscarriage in Nepal. The likelihood of having a miscarriage among older women (≥40 years) was more than 100% (aOR = 2.12, 95% CI [1.73, 2.59]), among non-users of contraception was 88.9% (aOR = 1.88, 95% CI [1.68, 2.11]) (pConclusionFindings from this study show that miscarriages are associated with maternal age, use of contraception, smoking, wealth index, caste, and ethnicity. Interventions aimed to improve use of contraceptives, avoiding smoking and pregnancy planning on the basis of maternal age, are needed to prevent miscarriage. Also, women from Brahmin ethinicity and those with the highest income index require greater attention when it comes to miscarriage prevention strategies in Nepal.