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Prevalence and factors associated with congenital malformations in tirana, Albania, during 2011-2013
Dorina Canaku1, Ervin Toçi2, Enver Roshi2
1Institute of Public Health, Tirana, Albania.
Insights
Congenital malformations (CMs) occurred in 23.41 per 1,000 births in Tirana, Albania. Maternal factors like age and education significantly influenced CM prevalence.
Area of Science:
- Medical Science
- Public Health
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Congenital Malformations (CMs) pose significant challenges, particularly in developing nations.
- Existing data on CMs in Albania is limited, necessitating local epidemiological studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of CMs in Tirana, Albania.
- To identify socio-demographic and clinical factors associated with CMs in newborns.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study utilizing data from the National CM Surveillance System (2011-2013).
- Included 831 CM cases and 2,522 controls, with prevalence calculated per 1,000 live births.
- Binary logistic regression analysis was employed to identify associated factors.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of CMs was 23.41 per 1,000 live births.
- Musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and genital systems were most affected.
- Risk factors included male sex, advanced maternal age, lower maternal education, unemployment, and lower gestational age.
Conclusions:
- Maternal socio-demographic factors are significantly associated with CMs in Albania.
- Further national-level surveys are recommended to fully elucidate CM determinants.
Aim:
Congenital Malformations (CMs) represent a challenge especially for developing countries. Data about CMs in Albania are rather scarce. In this context, our aim was to assess the prevalence and factors associated with CMs in Tirana, the capital of Albania.
Methods:
Information on all CMs at birth during 2011-2013 was retrieved from the National CM Surveillance System. For each CM case, three controls (babies born without CM) were retrieved as well. Overall, 831 cases and 2522 controls were included in this study. The prevalence was calculated using the total number of live births in Tirana during the same period. Binary logistic regression was used to determine the factors associated with CMs adjusting for a number of covariates.
Results:
The three-year prevalence of CMs was 23.41 per 1,000 live births. The most affected body systems were the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular and genital systems. CMs were more prevalent among male babies. Advanced mothers' age, lower education, unemployment status and lower gestational age were all positively associated with increased likelihood of CMs.
Conclusions:
Socio-demographic factors of mothers are linked to CMs in Albania. Future surveys are needed in Albania in order to establish determinants of CMs at a national level.