Predictors of Birth Asphyxia among Neonates in Dodoma Region Tanzania: A matched case-control study

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.