Abstract:
Objectives To record incidence, pattern and prevalence of
risk factors of congenital malformations (CM) in live new
born babies at a Teaching Hospital in Sri Lanka.
Methods All newborn babies delivered over a period of
six months at the Teaching Hospital, Mahamodara were
included in this cross sectional study and they were
subjected to thorough medical examination to detect any
CM. An interviewer administered questionnaire was used
to collect information on socio-demographics and risk
factors associated with CM.
Results Overall prevalence of CM in the study group
was 4.3%. Occurrence was higher in males (61.4%) than
females (36.9%). Highest frequency of CM was in the
musculoskeletal system. Parents’ age, previous history of
abortions or stillbirths, consanguinity and pre-conceptual
folic acid deficiency were the most prevalent risk factors
related to CM.
Conclusions Prevalence of CM in the study group is high
compared to other countries in the region. Emphasis on
preventing CM is recommended and public health actions
is required in improving well-being of affected babies.
