Abstract:
There has been an increase in the morbidity and mortality rates among neonates born
with Birth Asphyxia (BA) in Africa including Tanzania. Despite the efforts made by the
stakeholders the problem of BA is still persistently increasing. The study aimed at
determining the predictors of BA among neonates in the Dodoma region of Tanzania.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This study employed a matched case-control study design and was conducted between
May-August 2021. A total of 317 neonates were recruited in the study. Data were collected by
using questionnaires whereby information related to maternal and neonatal characteristics
was collected. The association between variables was determined using the Chi-square test
and logistic regression.
RESULTS
Among the cases, the majority were females (68.36%) and 31.64% in the controls.
Odds of developing BA were 3 times among neonates with meconium stains (AOR=3.731, C
I [1.764,7.937]. p=0.0006), and 2 times among neonates with a birth weight of 2500-3999 (AOR
=2.127, [1.110,4.078], p=0.0230) while not having complications during pregnancy was a
protective factor (AOR= 0.326[0.171,0.624], p=0.0007).
CONCLUSION
Membrane rupture and birth weight were positively associated with BA and having
no complications was negatively associated with BA.
