Life Course Perspectives of Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes in Kersa, Eastern Ethiopia: Accelerated Cohort Design

Objective: Adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs) are major drivers of maternal and child mortality, especially in low-income countries like Ethiopia. Studies examining such inequities from a life course lens are lacking. Hence, this study investigates generational disparities in the risk of APOs. Study Design: An accelerated cohort design was utilized, recruiting 7,286 women from three birth cohorts (1970s, 1980s, and 1990s) in Kersa, Eastern Ethiopia. A generalized linear mixed-effects model using STATA version 17.0 was used. Results: Pregnancy outcomes varied across generations. Stillbirths were highest in earlier life course (13.8%) and lowest in later (7.3%). Preterm births declined slightly (9.5% to 8.1%), but risks were greater in later life course. Miscarriages were lowest in Cohort 2 (2.9%). Poor maternal nutrition (MUAC