Prevalence and Factors Associated with Neonatal Birth Asphyxia among Live Births from 2023–2025 in Kiziguro District Hospital in Gatsibo District, Rwanda

Abstract: Newborn birth asphyxia remains a leading cause of newborn morbidity and mortality, particularly in low-income settings like Rwanda. This research targeted to assess the prevalence, trends, and factors associated with newborn birth asphyxia among live births at Kiziguro District Hospital from 2023 to 2025, providing evidence to improve neonatal outcomes and guide interventions. A retrospective design using secondary data from delivery and neonatal registers was employed, with data analyzed in version 26 of SPSS using descriptive statistics, trend analysis, and logistic regression (p < 0.05). Most mothers were aged 18–33 years, had primary/secondary education, attended 2–4 ANC visits, and had no complications; most deliveries were vaginal with normal birth weight. Births increased over time. The prevalence of neonatal birth asphyxia was 12.4% at 1 minute after birth. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified several independent predictors. Newborn d with meconium-stained amniotic fluid at their birth were significantly more likely to develop asphyxia (AOR = 4.8; 95% CI: 3.9–5.9). Other significant factors included obstetric complications (AOR = 3.5; 95% CI: 2.8–4.3), low birth weight (AOR = 3.2; 95% CI: 2.6–3.9), and prolonged labor (>12 hours) (AOR = 2.9; 95% CI: 2.4–3.5). Additionally, cesarean and assisted deliveries, inadequate antenatal care visits (0–2) (AOR = 2.1; 95% CI: 1.7–2.6), and referral status (AOR = 1.5; 95% CI: 1.2–1.9) were significantly associated with increased odds of birth asphyxia. The prevalence of neonatal birth asphyxia at Kiziguro District Hospital is relatively high. Key predictors include meconium-stained amniotic fluid, obstetric complications, low birth weight, prolonged labor, inadequate antenatal care, and referral status. Strengthening antenatal care services, improving intrapartum monitoring, and ensuring timely obstetric interventions are critical to reducing the burden of neonatal birth asphyxia. Keywords: Prevalence, Neonatal Birth, Asphyxia, Live Births, Kiziguro District Hospital, Rwanda. Title: Prevalence and Factors Associated with Neonatal Birth Asphyxia among Live Births from 2023–2025 In Kiziguro District Hospital in Gatsibo District, Rwanda Author: MWISENEZA Jean Paul, Dr. Amos HABIMANA International Journal of Healthcare Sciences ISSN 2348-5728 (Online) Vol. 14, Issue 1, April 2026 - September 2026 Page No: 236-245 Research Publish Journals Website: www.researchpublish.com Published Date: 16-June-2026 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20717106 Paper Download Link (Source) https://www.researchpublish.com/papers/prevalence-and-factors-associated-with-neonatal-birth-asphyxia-among-live-births-from-20232025-in-kiziguro-district-hospital-in-gatsibo-district-rwanda