MAGNITUDE AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS OF BIRTH INJURIES AMONG NEONATES ADMITTED TO SAINT PAUL’S HOSPITAL NEONATAL CARE UNIT from 2009- 2010 E.C

Abstract

Abstract Background: Birth injuries are impairment of neonatal body function or structure due to adverse event that occur during delivery or at any point during the entire process of birth. There is a wide spectrum of birth injuries ranging from minor and self-limited problems to severe injuries that may result in significant neonatal morbidity and mortality. The occurrence of birth injuries varies based on type of delivery, fetal presentation and type of injury. Methodology: This study was conducted in SPHMMC NICU. Hospital based retrospective documentary review study were conducted. Sample size was calculated by using single population proportion sample formula. Study subject were selected using systematic random sampling method, and adopted data collection tool were used. Data was checked for completeness and clarity and analysis was made using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 23. Descriptive statistics, binary and multiple logistic regressions were performed. The degree of association was calculated using odds ratio with 95% CI. P-value less than 0.05 were considered as significance level for associations between dependent and independent variables. Objective: This study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of neonatal birth injuries. Result: Prevalence of neonatal birth injuries was 9.9% from total admission of 3750 neonates in the past two years. Operative interventions [AOR = 4.0; 95% CI 1.04-15.5; p-value= 0.043] and vertex fetal presentation [AOR = 11.12; 95% CI 1.25-99.16; p-value= 0.031] were identified as a possible risk factors for subgaleal hemorrhage compared to other birth injuries. Conclusion: The prevalence of neonatal birth injuries detected in this study turned out to be significantly higher compared to other studies. It is also pointed out that instrumental delivery or any operative interventions as major factors for birth injury especially subgaleal hemorrhage. Therefore measures that can optimize the use of operative intervention need to be taken to reduce the possible preventable birth injuries. Key words: Birth injuries, Neonate, incidence, Prevalence, factors, neonatal care unit