Predictors Of Birth Asphyxia Among Neonates Delivered In Zanzibar: A Case Control Study

ABSTRACT

Background: It is estimated that, 25% of neonatal deaths is due to birth asphyxia, as may lead to permanent injury of the brain. In Sub-Saharan Africa, the major three cause of neonatal death are infection 39%, birth asphyxia 24% and preterm birth 25%. The aim of this study was to determine the predictors of birth asphyxia among neonate delivered in hospitals, in Zanzibar.

Method: A matched case control study was used, 107 neonates were cases and 321 controls. Purposive sampling was used to select 4 hospitals. Proportion of representative from each hospital was selected by using proportionate sampling. Cases and controls were selected by using a simple random selection, lottery method. Data were collected by using structured questionnaires. Descriptive statistic and logistic regression were used for analysis.

Result: A total of 428 postnatal mothers and their neonates were enrolled in the study, the mean age was 29.22, SD = 6.009, minimum 17 and maximum 49 years. Predictors associated with birth asphyxia were high blood pressure (AOR 2.934;CI: 95%; 1.114; 7.727), ANC visit