Abstract: This research investigated the prevalence and determinants of birth asphyxia at Rwamagana Level II Teaching Hospital in Rwanda’s Eastern Province. Using a cross-sectional design, 340 maternal delivery records from May 2022 to May 2023 were analyzed with SPSS version 23. The study found that 37.9% of neonates suffered birth asphyxia, while 62.1% did not. Key risk factors identified include low maternal education, with uneducated mothers being about 2.7 times more likely to have a baby with asphyxia. Maternal weight below 50 kg increased risk nearly ninefold, while babies under 2500 grams were about three times more likely to experience asphyxia. Other significant factors were maternal hypertension, anemia, meconium-stained amniotic fluid, placental abruption, and vaginal delivery. Though oxytocin augmentation showed an increased risk, it was not statistically significant. The study highlights the urgent need to address modifiable risks through better prenatal education, nutritional support, and strengthened antenatal care services to reduce birth asphyxia rates and improve neonatal survival in low-resource settings.
Keywords: Prevalence, Birth Asphyxia, Rwamagana Level II Teaching Hospital, Rwanda.
Title: Prevalence and Factors Associated with Birth Asphyxia at Rwamagana Level II Teaching Hospital, Eastern Province, Rwanda
Author: Ms. Mukobwa Justine, Dr. Charles Nsanzabera
International Journal of Healthcare Sciences
ISSN 2348-5728 (Online)
Vol. 13, Issue 1, April 2025 - September 2025
Page No: 416-432
Research Publish Journals
Website: www.researchpublish.com
Published Date: 10-July-2025
