Determinants of birth asphyxia among new born babies in Bekoji public hospital, Arsi zone, Oromia regional state, Ethiopia, 2023

Background: Birth asphyxia stands out as a significant factor contributing to morbidity and mortality among newborns. However, the determinants of birth asphyxia have not been thoroughly investigated within the local context, particularly in this specific area. Hence, this study aims to identify these determinants to tackle the issue effectively. Objectives: The goal of this study is to pinpoint the determinants of birth asphyxia at Bekoji Public Hospital in Bekoji Town, Arsi Zone, Oromia Region, Southeast Ethiopia, in 2023. Methods: A case-control study was conducted between June 1, 2023, and August 30, 2023. A total of 198 newborns (75 cases and 123 controls) at Bekoji Public Hospital were selected using a systematic random sampling technique. Data collection involved a checklist for record review and an interviewer-administered questionnaire. The data were entered into Epi Data version 7.1 and analyzed using SPSS version 25. Variables with a P-value < 0.25 were subjected to multivariable regression analysis. The Odds Ratio estimated with a 95% Confidence Interval was utilized to indicate the strength of association, with a significance level set at P < 0.05. Results: 196 mothers of newborns (73 cases and 123 controls) were interviewed, resulting in a response rate of 98.9%. Factors such as prolonged duration of labor (AOR=2.54; [95% CI: 1.78, 6.39]), delivery by Caesarean section (AOR=0.64; [95% CI: 0.004, 1.114]), presence of stained amniotic fluid (AOR=0.473; [95% CI: 0.180, 1.242]), and non-cephalic fetal presentation (AOR=2.12; [95% CI: 1.019, 3.80]) were identified as predictors of birth asphyxia. Additionally, being male (AOR=1.885; [95% CI: 0.899, 3.950]) was also found to be a predictive factor for birth asphyxia. Conclusion and recommendations: Duration of labor, fetal presentation, type of amniotic fluid, mode of delivery, and the gender of newborns emerged as significantly associated factors with birth asphyxia. As a result, interventions targeting these factors, particularly focusing on duration of labor and fetal presentation, should be rigorously implemented.