Knowledge of Preventable Risk Factors and Healthy Behaviors for Preventing Congenital Anomalies Among Pregnant Women in Public Health Facilities, Southern Ethiopia

Abstract Background Congenital anomalies, defined as structural and functional birth defects, affect approximately 1 in 33 infants worldwide, with over 90% of cases occurring in low- and middle-income countries. A comprehensive understanding of the risk factors associated with congenital anomalies is essential for their prevention and monitoring. However, the extent of awareness among mothers regarding preventable risk factors remains inadequately explored, and there is limited research in this area. Objective This study aimed to assess the level of awareness of preventable risk factors and related healthy behaviors for preventing congenital anomalies and to identify associated factors among mothers attending public health facilities in Wolaita Sodo City, Southern Ethiopia, in 2024. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among mothers attending public health facilities in Wolaita Sodo City from July to August 2024. Data were collected by trained high school educators using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. A total of 422 mothers were randomly selected for participation. Data were entered into EpiData version 4.6 and analyzed using STATA version 17. Logistic regression analysis was employed to identify factors associated with awareness of congenital anomaly prevention. Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to determine the strength of associations, and statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results Approximately 58.3% (95% CI: 53.6, 63.0) of participating mothers demonstrated good knowledge of preventable risk factors for congenital anomalies. Factors significantly associated with higher awareness included place of residence (AOR = 1.7, 95% CI: 1.0, 2.8), educational attainment (AOR = 3.4, 95% CI: 1.7, 6.6), and current pregnancy status (AOR = 2.0, 95% CI: 1.1, 2.4). Conclusion Although more than half of the mothers had a good awareness of preventable risk factors for congenital anomalies, the overall level of knowledge remains inadequate. Strengthening routine preconception, antenatal, and postpartum counseling is essential to address this knowledge gap and promote optimal maternal and fetal health.