The prevalence and associated factors of birth asphyxia among neonates delivered in Public Hospitals, Northern Ethiopia

Introduction: A body of evidences showed that birth asphyxia is a serious public health problem in low income countries including Ethiopia. There are sparse data on the prevalence of birth asphyxia and its associated factors among neonates in low income countries like Ethiopia, as well as the research area. Objective: Therefore, this study determined the prevalence and associated factors of birth asphyxia among newborns ad-ministered in public hospitals in Northern Ethiopia, 2019. Methods and materials: A cross-sectional study of health institution was carried out in December 2019. Systematic sam-pling technique was used. Data was collected through interviews and chart review. Multivariate logistical regression analysis was done to control confounders and identify significantly associated variable. AOR with 95% confidence intervals were computed to identify the factors independently assoiated with birth asphyxia. Results: The finding showed that the prevalence of birth asphyxia was 20.0%. Induction of labor (AOR=3.59, 95% CI: 1.36-9.46), Prolonged labor (AOR=3.59, 95% CI: 1.36-9.46), meconium-stained amniotic fluid (AOR=3.49), referred mothers (AOR=3.68, 95 % CI: 1.46-9.28), instrumental delivery (AOR=2.87, 95% CI: 1.09-7.55)and primiparous mothers (AOR=2.048 95% CI: 1.10-3.80).were significantly associated with birth asphyxia. Conclusion: The Prevalence of birth asphyxia notable high. Therefore; intra-partum care services should be strengthened to prevent birth asphyxia.