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

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.