Fatal and non-fatal health outcomes of congenital musculoskeletal and limb anomalies among infants in Ethiopia, from 1990 to 2023
Sebsibe Tadesse, Hiwot Hailu Amare, Teshome Gensa, Abraham Lomboro Dimore, Abera Mersha, Abadi Hailay Atsbaha, Yemane Berhane Tesfau, Embaba Tekelaye Welesemayat, Medhin Mehari, Kebebew Lemma, Geleta Nenko Dube, Belda Negesa BeyeneIntroduction
Congenital musculoskeletal and limb anomalies disproportionately affect people living in low-income countries. However, comprehensive data on their distribution is scarce in Ethiopia. This study aimed to assess fatal and non-fatal health outcomes among Ethiopian infants from 1990 to 2023 using the Global Burden of Diseases 2023 estimates.
Methods
The study utilized data and methodologies of the Global Burden of Diseases 2023 estimates. To estimate non-fatal health outcomes, a Bayesian meta-regression tool for disease modeling was employed, whereas a cause of death ensemble model was applied to quantify the fatal health outcomes. All estimates were smoothed and presented with 95% uncertainty intervals. All rates were computed per 100,000 population. The overall change in the rates between 1990 and 2023 was determined by comparing values at the baseline and end of the study period.
Results
In 2023, the study estimated 2078 incident cases (95% UI: 460, 2988) and 1549 prevalent cases (95% UI: 1072, 2231) of congenital anomalies per 100,000 infants, with 5 deaths (95% UI: 2, 11). The corresponding rates of health losses were 628 disability-adjusted life years per 100,000 infants (95% UI: 336, 1224), 394 years of life lost per 100,000 infants (95% UI: 154, 950), and 234 years lived with disability per 100,000 infants (95% UI: 134, 402). Fatal outcomes were more prevalent among females, while non-fatal outcomes showed no sex disparities. Except for a reduction in the incidence rate by 19% (95% UI: -26, -11), the rates remained stable nationally between 1990 and 2023. The Addis Ababa, Dire Dawa, Harari, and Tigray regions experienced a decline in both the prevalence and incidence rates, while Amhara, Oromia, Benishangul-Gumuz, and Gambella declined the incidence rate. Moreover, there was a decline in the rate of years lived with disability in Addis Ababa.
Conclusion
The findings highlight a significant burden of congenital anomalies among Ethiopian infants, particularly affecting females. To address this, strategies should focus on improving maternal and child healthcare access, raising community awareness, implementing preconception care, establishing birth defect registries, enhancing screening methods, providing rehabilitation services, and designing gender-sensitive interventions.