Abstract:
Background: - Birth asphyxia is a serious clinical problem worldwide. It is a leading cause of
mortality and morbidity in neonates in developing countries. Almost all (99%) neonatal deaths arise
in low-income and middle-income countries. Each year approximately 4 million babies are born
asphyxiated, which results in 1 million deaths and an equal number of serious neurological
sequeles, such as cerebral palsy, mental retardation, and epilepsy.
Objective: - To assess birth asphyxia and associated factors among newborn delivered in Jimma
Zone public hospitals, South West Ethiopia.
Methods: Across-sectional study was conducted from March 1 to 30, 2015 using quantitative data
collection techniques. A total of 368live newborns at Jimma zone public hospitals were involved in
the study using systematic sampling method. Data were collected using structured questionaries,
observational check list and chart review. The instrument was pre tested on 5% the sample in
Bedele hospital. The data were analyzed by using simple and multivariable logistic regression and
statistical associations were measured using odd ratio and 95%CI.
Result: The prevalence of birth asphyxia is 32.9% at first minute and 12.5% at fifth minute.
According to the finding factors significantly associated with birth asphyxia were medical
complication (AOR: 3.92, 95%CI: 1.62, 9.46) and obstetrics complication (AOR: 3.76, 95%CI:
1.71, 8.26). Prolonged Second stage of labour (>3hours) (AOR: 3.72, 95%CI: 1.46, 12.18), low
birth weight of newborns (AOR: 4.21, 95%CI: 1.5, 12.2), meconium stained amniotic fluid (AOR:
8.29, 95%CI: 3.6, 18.9) and Tight nuchal cord (AOR: 7.4, 95%CI: 1.6, 34.1). Not attending
antenatal care (AOR: 6.4, 95%CI: 2, 20.2), incomplete antenatal care visit (AOR: 4.6, 95%CI: 2.0,
10.5), non-cephalic presentation (AOR: 6.98, 95%CI: 2.66, 18.28) and caesarian section delivery
(AOR: 2.3, 95%CI: 1.0, 5.1)
Conclusion: The prevalence of birth asphyxia is too high. Majority of the factors associated with
birth asphyxia are manageable by means of good pre-natal care by improving antenatal,
intrapartum and neonatal care services within our limited resources
Recommendation: policy maker and health institutions should have to strength the policy that
working to reduce newborn death by giving attention to birth asphyxia, since it a preventable
problem and long term neurological sequels are almost untreatable once asphyxia set in,
preventive strategies must be built to reduce the burden of birth asphyxia
