Publication:

Determinants of birth asphyxia: a cross-sectional multi-centric study in the state of West Bengal

Background World Health Organization Sustainable Development Goals has set a target of reducing neonatal mortality to less than 12 per 1000 live births by 2030. Birth asphyxia is one of the leading causes of neonatal morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this study was to explore the factors influencing or related to the development of birth asphyxia.

Methods This was a cross-sectional case control study conducted from March 2024 to March 2025 at three hospitals catering to a population of about five million. Two hundred and two neonates with birth asphyxia were identified and information including demographic, ante-partum and intra-partum variables were collected on a pre-designed questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to determine the prevalence of birth asphyxia in cases and controls as per each of the independent variables described above and significance was determined. A bivariate regression was done for those variables which showed significant (p<0.05) association and which had shown significance in other related studies.

Results Bivariate regression analysis showed educational status (p<0.001), socio economic status (p<0.001), booking status (p<0.023), anemia, (p<0.027) parity (0.018) and meconium-stained liquor (p<0.029) as independent significant variables.

Conclusions Findings of this study highlight the fact that while medical factors contributing to birth asphyxia have to be addressed there is also need to seriously consider and address the medical care seeking behavior of pregnant women and her family which is influenced by educational and socioeconomic status. The impact of any health welfare scheme would be dependent on this important element.