Birth Asphyxia Prevalence and Related Factors in Live Births at University Hospital, Tripoli, Libya

Birth asphyxia is the cause of about one-third of newborn deaths at University Hospital's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). On the other hand, the precise burden of birth asphyxia has not been supported by modern scientific research. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of birth asphyxia and its associated variables in the NICU of University Hospital in Tripoli, Libya. A descriptive cross-sectional study including 182 mother-newborn pairs delivered at a maternity ward was carried out on the sample. From January 1, 2020, until December 30, 2022, every other mother's newborn was included. Data were gathered using a checklist and a pre-tested structured questionnaire. 28.5% of cases had asphyxia [95% CI: 26.51, 35.24%]. The final model showed that birth asphyxia was positively associated at 95% CI with fetal malpresentation (AOR = 6.96: 3.16, 15.30), rupture of fetal membranes preterm (AOR = 6.30, 95% CI: 2.45, 16.22), meconium-stained amniotic fluid (AOR = 7.15: 3.07, 16.66), and vacuum delivery (AOR = 6.21: 2.62, 14.73). The occurrence of birth asphyxia continues to be a significant public health concern. Consequently, to avoid birth asphyxia due to difficulties such as fetal mal-presentation, premature fetal membrane rupture, meconium-stained amniotic fluid, and vacuum delivery, the current emergency obstetric and newborn care efforts should be reinforced.