Assegid GeletaZelalem Chanie2025-08-122025-08-122024-01-13https://etd.aau.edu.et/handle/123456789/6539Background: Neural tube defect(NTDs) is birth defect of spine, brain or spinal cord. It occurs within first month of pregnancy in developing fetuses. About 10% of infant death worldwide is due to nervous system related cases. NTDs are associated with folic acid deficiency before and during pregnancy. Even if there is extensive information worldwide, the data in our country is limited. Objective: The aim of the research was to assess the birth prevalence of neural tube defect and associated factors. Methods: A hospital based cross sectional retrospective study was conducted at ALERT specialized hospital from June 2022 to 2023 G.C. Data was collected from delivery logbook and chart review. The gathered data underwent thorough checks for completeness and consistency before being cleaned, coded, and imputed using SPSS software version 26. Variables were interpreted per 1000pregnancies Result: The overall prevalence of NTDs was 13.8(with 95% CI, 13-14.49) per1000 deliveries and prevalence of each type of NTDs were Anencephaly 6.5(95% CI, 5.8-7.2) per 1000 deliveries, Spina bifida 3.7(95% CI, 3.01-4.39) / 1000 deliveries, Encephalocele 0.8(95% CI, 0.11-1.5) / 1000 deliveries, and both Spina bifida and Anencephaly 2.8(95% CI, 2.11-3.5) per 1000 deliveries. Among total deliveries (n = 7500), there were 49 anencephaly cases, 28 Spina bifida cases, 6 Encephalocele cases, and 21cases affected by both Spina bifida and anencephaly. Conclusion: The prevalence of NTDs in this study was among the highest globally reported. The total Prevalence was 13.8 per 1000 pregnancies. Anencephaly was the commonest neural tube defect which was similar with other literatures ANC follow up, Folic acid use and preconception care were having low coverage.en-USNeural Tube Defect, Prevalence, Associated Factor at ALERTSHThesis