Abstract :

Birth asphyxia is the failure to establish and sustain spontaneous breathing at birth, hence leading to decreased oxygen perfusion to various organs. Birth asphyxia is among the leading causes to neonatal mortality and morbidity in Tanzania, our study aimed to determine prevalence and associated factors of birth asphyxia among neonates at Amana Regional Referral Hospital. A cross-sectional study was conducted, enrolling neonates admitted at neonatal ward in ARRH. Data was collected through structured questionnaires given to mothers of neonates admitted, also antenatal cards and case files were used to obtain Apgar scores and additional information. Of all neonates admitted during study period, 303 neonates were included in the study where by, 10 newborns (3.3%) had birth asphyxia, and prolonged labor, hospital delivered neonates and age of the mother 20-34 were significant factors associated with birth asphyxia.

Birth asphyxia is still a public health concern in Tanzania and its aftereffects are irreversible so early and regular antenatal booking, proper management of labor and improvement of maternal and child health services can reduce the burden also, awareness of pregnancy demands can help mothers handle pregnancy with care hence avoiding risk factors and complicated labor and delivery.

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Keywords :

Apgar Score, Birth Asphyxia, Neonates, Prolonged labor, Tanzania

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