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. 2024 Aug;131(Suppl 3):88-100.
doi: 10.1111/1471-0528.17816. Epub 2024 Apr 1.

Incidence, predictors and immediate neonatal outcomes of birth asphyxia in Nigeria

Joseph Ifeanyichukwu Ikechebelu  1   2 , George Uchenna Eleje  1   2 , Chinyere Ukamaka Onubogu  3 , Nnabuike Okechukwu Ojiegbe  4 , Uchenna Ekwochi  5 , Ifeanyichukwu Uzoma Ezebialu  6 , Eziamaka Pauline Ezenkwele  7 , Emily Akuabia Nzeribe  8 , Uchenna Anthony Umeh  7 , Ijeoma Obumneme-Anyim  9 , Linda Nneka Nwokeji-Onwe  10 , Eugenia Settecase  11 , Innocent Anayochukwu Ugwu  12 , Ogochukwu Chianakwana  13 , Nkechi Theresa Ibekwe  13 , Onyebuchi Ignatius Ezeaku  14 , Gloria Nwuka Ekweagu  14 , Abraham Bong Onwe  15 , Tina Lavin  16 , Jamilu Tukur  17
Affiliations

Incidence, predictors and immediate neonatal outcomes of birth asphyxia in Nigeria

Joseph Ifeanyichukwu Ikechebelu et al. BJOG. 2024 Aug.

Abstract

Objective: To determine the incidence and sociodemographic and clinical risk factors associated with birth asphyxia and the immediate neonatal outcomes of birth asphyxia in Nigeria.

Design: Secondary analysis of data from the Maternal and Perinatal Database for Quality, Equity and Dignity Programme.

Setting: Fifty-four consenting referral-level hospitals (48 public and six private) across the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria.

Population: Women (and their babies) who were admitted for delivery in the facilities between 1 September 2019 and 31 August 2020.

Methods: Data were extracted and analysed on prevalence and sociodemographic and clinical factors associated with birth asphyxia and the immediate perinatal outcomes. Multilevel logistic regression modelling was used to ascertain the factors associated with birth asphyxia.

Main outcome measures: Incidence, case fatality rate and factors associated with birth asphyxia.

Results: Of the available data, 65 383 (91.1%) women and 67 602 (90.9%) babies had complete data and were included in the analysis. The incidence of birth asphyxia was 3.0% (2027/67 602) and the case fatality rate was 16.8% (339/2022). The risk factors for birth asphyxia were uterine rupture, pre-eclampsia/eclampsia, abruptio placentae/placenta praevia, birth trauma, fetal distress and congenital anomaly. The following factors were independently associated with a risk of birth asphyxia: maternal age, woman's education level, husband's occupation, parity, antenatal care, referral status, cadre of health professional present at the birth, sex of the newborn, birthweight and mode of birth. Common adverse neonatal outcomes included: admission to a special care baby unit (SCBU), 88.4%; early neonatal death, 14.2%; neonatal sepsis, 4.5%; and respiratory distress, 4.4%.

Conclusions: The incidence of reported birth asphyxia in the participating facilities was low, with around one in six or seven babies with birth asphyxia dying. Factors associated with birth asphyxia included sociodemographic and clinical considerations, underscoring a need for a comprehensive approach focused on the empowerment of women and ensuring access to quality antenatal, intrapartum and postnatal care.

Keywords: birth asphyxia; case fatality; early neonatal death.

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References

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