Risk Factors for Birth Asphyxia in Hospital-Delivered Newborns in Dodoma, Tanzania: A Case-Control Study.

INTRODUCTION: Asphyxia at birth remains the leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide, accounting for ∼23% of all neonatal deaths. Although the causes vary from country to country, early identification and treatment of risk factors can improve the situation.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the risk factors of birth asphyxia in hospital-delivered neonates in Dodoma, Tanzania.

METHODS: A matched case-control study was conducted from May to July 2017 at Dodoma Region Referral Hospital. Data were collected using a semistructured questionnaire and a standard antenatal care index card. Cases were neonates diagnosed with asphyxia at birth ( N   =  100), while controls were neonates not diagnosed with asphyxia at birth ( N   =  300). A binary logistic regression model was used to assess the independent variables associated with birth asphyxia and reported as crude and adjusted odds ratios along with their 95% confidence intervals.

RESULTS: A total of 400 newborns and their birth mothers were involved in the study. The average age of the case mothers was 26.9 years ( SD   =  7.85) and that of the control mothers was 27.24 years ( SD   =  6.08). Place of residence, anemia, maternal age, prenatal visits attended, use of herbs during labor, previously complicated pregnancy, duration of labor, meconium-stained amniotic fluid, and mode of delivery were predictors of birth asphyxia.

CONCLUSION: The study showed that most predictors of birth asphyxia can be prevented. The results suggest appropriate health education before conception, effective follow-up through prenatal care, early identification and treatment of high-risk pregnant women, and proper monitoring of labor and delivery.