What is it about?
Neural tube defects (NTDs) are serious birth problems that affect a baby’s brain and spinal cord. They can cause lifelong disability or even death. Families who have a child with an NTD often face emotional, social, and financial challenges. This study looked at how common NTDs are in two major hospitals in the Amhara region of Ethiopia, and how having a child with an NTD affects parents’ stress levels.
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Why is it important?
NTDs are preventable in many cases, especially with folic acid. The high number of cases in Ethiopia shows the need for improved prevention and awareness programs. The study also shows that parents caring for a child with an NTD experience significant stress and need better psychological, social, and practical support.
Perspectives
As I worked on this publication, I became even more convinced that neural tube defects are not only a medical issue, but also a social and emotional challenge for families. I believe this article can spark more conversation about prevention, early folic acid supplementation, and the need for psychological support services in Ethiopia. My hope is that this research motivates policymakers and health professionals to take stronger action. Above all, I want this work to be a source of hope for parents and a reminder that their struggles deserve attention and solutions.
Fekadeselassie Belege Getaneh
Wollo University
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Birth prevalence and parental stress associated with neural tube defects in Amhara’s public comprehensive specialized hospitals, Ethiopia, 2024, PLOS One, December 2025, PLOS,
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0337809.
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