Maternal sociodemographic factors associated with low Apgar scores: A hospital based cross-sectional study
Mots-clés :
Newborn, Apgar score, Neonatal MortalityRésumé
Background: Neonatal mortality has been a major concern, especially in low-and-middle income-countries (LMIC). Globally, 2.3 million babies died in the first month of life in 2022 putting the neonatal mortality rate at 17 deaths per 1000 live births. The Apgar score remains a valuable tool for assessing whether or not the baby has tolerated the transition from intrauterine to extra uterine life. This study aimed to determine the maternal socio-demographic factors associated with low Apgar scores define as score of ≤ 6 at the 5th minute of life and the outcome of these babies.
Methodology: This is a prospective hospital-based cross-sectional study. Consecutive term babies delivered at the labour ward, with Apgar scores ≤6 at the 5th minute of life, who met the inclusion criteria, were recruited into the study. Each baby was monitored and followed up, and the outcome of admission was documented. Logistic regression was used to determine the factors associated with a low Apgar score.
Result: Five hundred and sixty term babies were delivered during the 10-month study period. Ninety-nine (17.7%) term babies had an Apgar score of ≤ 6 at the 5th minute of life. Seven term babies were excluded. Ninety -two (16.4%) term babies with Apgar score of ≤ 6 at 5th minutes of life were recruited into the study. Low Apgar score was significantly associated with low socio-economic class (aOR 8.408 95%CI 3.789-18.264, p<0.001); Unbooked (aOR 17.480, 95%CI 9.761-31.303, p<0.001); Antenatal care at maternity centres (aOR 28.111, 95%CI 14.432-54.575, p<0.001); Antenatal care in mission homes (aOR 18.208, 95%CI8.323-39.832, p <0.001). Sixty-five per cent of the babies had HIE, 72(78.3) were discharged home, 4 discharged against medical advice and 16(17.4%) of the babies died.
Conclusion: Maternal factors associated with low Apgar scores include primiparity, low socio-economic class, and receiving antenatal care at maternity centres or mission homes.
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